Natural Awakenings Emerald Coast December 2015 by Natural Awakenings NW Florida

H E A L T H Y

L I V I N G

H E A L T H Y

feel good • live simply • laugh more

SWEETLY

P L A N E T

FREE

VEGAN No-Bake Holiday Treats Worth Celebrating

Natural Awakening Fragrances to Spirit

The DIY Guide to Beautifully Safe Scents

Prayer and Meditation Heal and Free Us

Sky-High YOGA

Six Stretches for Your Next Plane Trip

December 2015 | Emerald Coast | NWFNaturally.com Okaloosa/Walton County

Natural Awakenings of Northwest Florida

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Natural Awakenings of Northwest Florida

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contents Natural Awakenings is your guide to a healthier, more 10 9 newsbriefs balanced life. In each issue readers find cutting-edge information on natural health, nutrition, fitness, personal 10 healthbriefs growth, green living, creative expression and the products and services that support a healthy lifestyle. 14 globalbriefs 1 7 ecotip AWAKENING TO SPIRIT 22 2 1 therapyspotlight 22 Prayer and Meditation

26 greenliving 14 28 inspiration 30 healingways 32 consciouseating 36 healthykids 38 fitbody 17 40 wisewords 42 naturalpet 45 calendar 47 classifieds 49 resourceguide

58 advertising & submissions HOW TO ADVERTISE Pricing is available online on our Advertising page. To advertise with Natural Awakenings call 850-687-0825 or email advertise@NWFNaturally.com. Deadline for ads: the 15th of the month. EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS Email articles, news items and ideas to: editor@NWFNaturally.com. Deadline for editorial: the 15th of the month. CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS Submit calendar entries online only at NWFNaturally. com. The links are on the left side of the web page. Deadline for calendar: the 15th of the month.

Heal and Free Us by Richard Davenport

26 GREEN CONGREGATIONS

Faith Groups Join in Preserving All Creation by Avery Mack

28 RECIPE FOR A

HAPPY NEW YEAR Fail-Proof Ingredients for a Glorious 2016

30 HEAVENLY SCENTS How to Make Your Own Natural Oil Fragrances by Kathleen Barnes

32 SWEETLY VEGAN No-Bake Holiday Treats Worth Celebrating by Judith Fertig

36 GENEROUS

PINT-SIZED GIVERS Teaching Kids How to Care and Share by Jennifer Jacobson

38 AIRPLANE YOGA Six Easy Stretches Ease the Journey by Cynthia Bowman

40 SHARON SALZBERG

REGIONAL MARKETS Advertise your products or services in multiple markets! Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp. is a growing franchised family of locally owned magazines serving communities since 1994. To place your ad in other markets call 239-449-8309. For franchising opportunities call 239-530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakeningsMag.com.

ON MINDFULNESS

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by Sandra Murphy

Simple Ways to Be in the Present Moment

by April Thompson

42 EAT, BARK AND BE MERRY

Healthy Holiday Treats for Our Pets natural awakenings

December 2015

letterfrompublishers “L et there be peace on Earth,

contact us PUBLISHER Daralyn Chase Publisher@NWFNaturally.com CO-PUBLISHER/ DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING Scott Chase, (ext. 702) Scott@NWFNaturally.com EDITOR Martin Miron GRAPHICS & LAYOUT Courtney Ayers Michele Rose CALENDAR EDITOR Thomas Masloski NATIONAL AD SALES 239-449-8309 FRANCHISE SALES 239-530-1377 NATURAL AWAKENINGS EMERALD COAST 850-460-3266, office 888-228-8238, toll free 888-370-0618, fax

”

and let it begin with me…

s I begin to write the last letter of the year, that’s all I could think to begin with. I’m reminded of the profound words I heard early in life; “The only thing we can change 100 percent is ourselves.” But how will changing myself change a society filled with all Scott & Daralyn kinds of strife? Chase When I envision world peace, that huge, conceptual dream that seems so far away, I picture a line of people holding hands in a circle around the globe, all equal and responsible for themselves and others— where we still believe in “All for one and one for all.” It’s a place where we don’t just lecture our children, but actually do unto others as we would have them do unto us. If I have learned anything through Natural Awakenings’ inspirational articles, it’s not that laws and government need to change so much as our hearts and minds need to change. Perhaps if my kids witnessed that change in me a thousand times a day, as well as our friends and neighbors—even strangers—I could begin to see where the “change reaction” may make a difference. I’ve decided to begin the journey towards world peace with me. This holiday season begins with changing my thoughts and actions toward others, and most importantly, spending my prayer dedications and meditation intentions on others and their needs instead of my own. I can only imagine. “Let our New Year’s resolution be this: We will be there for one another as fellow members of humanity, in the finest sense of the word.” ~ Goran Persson, former prime minister of Sweden May all that is beautiful and meaningful bring you joy and happiness this holiday season and through out the new year!

P.O. Box 945 Destin, Florida 32540

© 2015 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing. Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. It is available in selected stores, health and education centers, healing centers, public libraries and wherever free publications are generally seen. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business. We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised. We welcome your ideas, articles and feedback.

SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscriptions are available by sending $36 (for 12 issues) to the above address or order online at NWFNaturally.com. Natural Awakenings is printed on recycled newsprint with soybased ink.

Scott & Daralyn

Correction

ast month in our Business Spotlight, we cited Camy Kilker as the owner of Le Vogue Salon, located at 609 W. Chase Street., in Pensacola. She is a stylist there, but the salon is owned by Karen Taylor. We regret the error. For appointments, call 850-582-0177 or visit LeVogueSalon.com, Facebook/levoguesalon.

Natural Awakenings of Northwest Florida

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newsbriefs Will Tuttle to Speak at Unity in Fort Walton Beach

r. Will Tuttle, a composer, pianist, educator and author of the bestselling book The World Peace Diet is devoted to providing uplifting and healing original music and helping people awaken their inner wisdom and genius. He will be speaking on our spiritual intuition is a direct connection with an inner knowing that guides us through our life and on our spiritual path, to unfold the potential that we carry in this lifetime at 6 p.m., December 6, at Unity in FWB. Tuttle states, “This is our inner genius! As we discover and live the unique blessing that we are called to contribute to our world, we connect with the bubbling spring of joy within. This helps us open to the great compassion and spiritual understanding that bring freedom, respect, and sensitivity to our lives, helping us to live authentically and to contribute to the evolution of our culture. We each make a difference, and together, we are transforming our world.” Location: 1797 Hurlburt Rd., Fort Walton Beach. For more information, call 850-864-1232, email mrulison@CaregiverSupportAndResources.com or visit UnityInFWB.org.

Float Brothers Float Spa Opening in Destin

loat Brothers Float Spa, the first float therapy spa on the Emerald Coast, is opening December 12 at the Plantation Commons Shopping Center, 4495 Commons Drive West, in Destin. Co-owner Trey Hearn says, “Imagine yourself being in a space of perfect tranquility, floating like a cork in Epsom salt water with a temperature that mimics that of your skin, where you don’t experience the pull of gravity, sight, or sound. This is essentially what a flotation tank experience will provide, along with a variety of medically substantiated health and relaxation benefits.” Float therapy is an innovative therapy that provides revolutionary relaxation, stress/pain relief and athletic recovery. Many top athletes and celebrities already use this innovative technology. For more information, call 850-826-4137 or email Info@FloatBrothers.com. For reduced price floats and priority scheduling book a float at FloatBrothers.tilt.com and Facebook/float-brothers-float-spa.

Seminar on Limitless Abundance and Success

estination Rich Living: Unleashing Your Inner Power will present Rich Living, a two-day event, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. January 16 and 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., January 17, 2016; and again on January 23 and 24. Speaker C. K. Rich will address the limiting way in which most of us think of ourselves. His quirky, unconventional and provocative presentation is sure to inspire rethinking all kinds of theories and opinions about the things that influence or thinking. Participants will learn about the Matrix, how it controls our lives and what we can do to release its shackles. Everything is energy, and we can use that energy to benefit our own life’s abundance and prosperity or the success we deserve. Rich is a registered nurse, writer, motivational and truth speaker and life coach whose goal is to help as many people as possible realize their own life potential, giving them their own personal power for success in business, work and personal life. Location: Fairfield Inn Marriott, 19001 Emerald Coast Pkwy., Destin. For more information, call 248-891-8339 or visit DestinationRichLiving.com.

The greatest healing therapy is friendship and love. ~Hubert H. Humphrey natural awakenings

December 2015

Simple Math

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= XTREME Change! PROBLEM #1: Americans throw away 2.5 million plastic bottles every hour, only about 25% of the plastic produced in the US is recycled. PROBLEM #2: A single American usees 100 disposable bottles per year. Problem #3: In the Los Angeles area alone, 10 metric tons of plastic items such grocery bags, straws, and water bottles are carried into the Pacific Ocean every day. PROBLEM #4: In the past ten years, humans have produced more plastic than over the last century. PROBLEM #5: Plastic takes up to 1,000 years to degrade in a landfill. PROBLEM #6: One million sea birds and 100,000 marine mammals are killed annually from plastic in our oceans. PROBLEM #7: Plastic bottles are produced by using petroleum products. Petroleum is a finite resource. ANSWER KEY: #TheXtremeChange 10

healthbriefs

People Double Up on Calories After the Holidays

espite the popularity of New Year’s resolutions, scientists have found that post-holiday food shopping decisions don’t necessarily reflect intentions to eat healthier or lose weight. Scientists from Cornell University tracked resolutions and after-holiday food shopping habits of 207 families. They classified about 20,000 food products as either “healthy” or “less-healthy”. Calories and dollars spent were also tracked. Analysis of 37 weeks of activity that included the extended winter holiday period and into the new year found that additional food expenditures and calories began about a week prior to Thanksgiving and peaked during Christmas celebrations. Compared to the rest of the year, this increased shopping averaged just over $16 more a week, about $4 of which was spent on healthy foods. Food expenditures then continued to increase after the holidays to about $25 more a week compared to the average—showing a 24 percent increase. However, $13 of this was spent on healthier foods. Calorie levels also increased. “Total weekly per-serving calories increased by 440 during the holiday period relative to the baseline period, and nearly 91 percent of this increase was due to additional purchases of the more calorie-dense foods,” the researchers reported. “Even more intriguing is that contrary to well-intentioned New Year’s resolutions, additional weekly per-serving calories purchased increased to 890 in the post-holiday period relative to the baseline, more than doubling the 440 calorie increase evident in the holiday season,” the researchers observed. Of this, 63 percent of the additional calories were from high-calorie foods.

Asbestos Found in Crayons and Children’s Toys

esearch from the Environmental Working Group’s Action Fund has determined that some popular children’s toys contain a chemical that previous research has linked to lung disease and lung cancers. The researchers tested 28 boxes of crayons and 21 crimethemed toys at the Scientific Analytical Institute in Greensboro, North Carolina. They found that four of the crayon brands and two of the crime-scene toys contained asbestos. All of the asbestos-containing toys were manufactured in China. The products included the Disney Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and Nickelodeon Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle brands of crayons, the EduScience Deluxe Forensics Lab Kit and the Inside Intelligence Secret Spy Kit. The latter two brands contained asbestos within the fingerprint powders. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, asbestos from all sources is responsible for up to 15,000 U.S. deaths each year.

Natural Awakenings of Northwest Florida

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Digital ‘Blue Light’ Reading Disrupts Sleep Rhythms

ecent findings from Brigham and Women’s Hospital, in Boston, has determined that reading from a light-emitting tablet or computer before bedtime will disturb sleep and may change the circadian rhythms that govern the body’s clock. The research, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, tested 12 people for two weeks. On five nights during one week, the subjects read ebooks on an iPad for four hours before bedtime. Another week, they read from printed books for the same duration. During the five days of iPad reading, the participants fell asleep later and spent less time in rapid eye movement (REM)-stage sleep. The light-emitting tablet altered the circadian rhythm, changing the body’s natural sleeping pattern. The researchers also tested other blue-light emitting devices, including laptops, tablets, other eReaders, cell phones and LED monitors. “We found the body’s natural circadian rhythms were interrupted by the shortwavelength enriched light, otherwise known as blue light, from these electronic devices,” says neuroscientist Anne-Marie Chang, Ph.D., one of the study authors. Dr. Charles Czeisler, Ph.D., a leading sleep researcher, remarks, “In the past 50 years, there has been a decline in average sleep duration and quality. Since more people are choosing electronic devices for reading, communication and entertainment, particularly children and adolescents who already experience significant sleep loss, epidemiological research evaluating the long-term consequences of these devices on health and safety is urgently needed.”

Potatoes Don’t Pack on Pounds

esearch from scientists at the University of California, Davis has mashed the notion that potatoes cause weight gain. The researchers tested 90 overweight people divided into three groups, with all of them eating five to seven servings of potatoes each week over a threemonth period. Two groups reduced their calorie intake by 500 calories per day, with one group eating low-glycemic index (GI) foods and the other group eating high-GI foods. The third group had no calorie restrictions. Despite the increased potato consumption during the study period, all three groups showed slight weight loss and reduced body mass index. The researchers concluded, “Potato intake did not cause weight gain.”

natural awakenings

December 2015

healthbriefs

Superfruit Antioxidants Found in Chilean Maqui Berry

esearch from the University of Arizona’s Health Sciences Center has confirmed that the South American superfruit maqui berry (Aristotelia chilensis) can aid the cardiovascular system and reduce blood sugar. Clinical trials found a group of antioxidants, called delphinidins, significantly reduced levels of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or “bad” cholesterol, which is linked to atherosclerosis and other heart diseases. The clinical research found that the delphinidins contained in the maqui berry, known as the richest natural source of the antioxidant, aid the health of blood vessels by increasing nitric oxide and decreasing platelets linked with thrombosis, the clogging of arteries that can cause strokes. The researchers also found that the superfruit may help counteract skin aging from ultraviolet radiation-B (UVB) exposure.

Meditation Linked to Telomere Integrity in Cancer Patients

aintaining telomere length has been directly linked to longer lifespan in a number of studies. A telomere is the structure at the end of a chromosome that protects it from deteriorating or fusing with other chromosomes. Its length is being used to measure the potential success of integrative therapy for recovering cancer patients; now University of Calgary research has found that mindfulness meditation helps. The researchers tested 88 breast cancer survivors with a previous diagnosis of stage-one to stage-three breast cancer. The patients’ telomere lengths were tested after either group-support therapy or mindfulness meditation training that included gentle hatha yoga exercises. Results showed that while the control group’s telomere lengths decreased over time, both the mindfulness group and the support therapy group were on average able to maintain their telomere length throughout the testing period.

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Spirituality is Beneficial for Cancer Patients

ccording to a new review of research published in the journal Cancer, a strong religious or spiritual belief system may improve a cancer patient’s prognosis physically, emotionally and mentally. Researchers from Florida’s H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute and North Carolina’s Wake Forest School of Medicine reviewed clinical studies that included more than 44,000 cancer patients. The first review focused on physical symptoms and found that patients with stronger religious and spiritual beliefs reported fewer cancer symptoms and better physical health. They also showed enhanced capabilities in managing their daily lives. “These relationships were particularly strong in patients that experienced greater emotional aspects of religion and spirituality, including a sense of meaning and purpose in life, as well as a connection to a source larger than oneself,” states Heather Jim, lead author of the first review. The second review focused on mental health and found reductions in anxiety, depression and distress among those with greater spirituality. Lead author Dr. John Salsman comments, “Also, greater levels of spiritual distress and a sense of disconnectedness from God or a religious community were associated with greater psychological distress or poorer emotional well-being.” In the third review, the researchers found that patients with a stronger spiritual well-being reported better social health, as well.

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globalbriefs News and resources to inspire concerned citizens to work together in building a healthier, stronger society that benefits all.

Fungus Among Us

Mushrooms Offer Pesticide-Free Insect Control Paul Stamets, one of the world’s leading mycologists, invented a fungus (mushroom)-based pesticide in 2006. An industry executive states, “This patent represents the most disruptive technology we have ever witnessed.” This “smart” pesticide provides a safe and nearly permanent solution for controlling more than 200,000 species of insects. Entomopathogenic (insect-destroying) fungi are altered so they don’t produce spores. This actually attracts the insects, which then eat them and turn into fungi from the inside-out. The invention has the potential to revolutionize the way humans grow crops. Source: Earth. We Are One. View the patent at Tinyurl.com/FungusPesticidePatent.

Sentient Beings

New Zealand Enacts Bill Recognizing Animal Intelligence The New Zealand Animal Welfare Amendment Bill that passed into law this year states that animals, like humans, are sentient beings. Dr. Virginia Williams, chair of the National Animal Ethics Advisory Committee, says this acknowledges, “Animals can experience both positive and negative emotions, including pain and distress.” The bill thus bans the use of animals for testing cosmetics. Williams says the legal recognition of animal sentience provides a stronger underpinning of the requirements of the existing Animal Welfare Act. The bill also provides for penalties to enable low-to-medium-level offenders to be punished more effectively and gives animal welfare inspectors the power to issue compliance notices, among other measures. Find a link to the legislation at Tinyurl.com/NewZealandSentienceBill.

Post-It Progress

3M Requires Paper Sources to Meet Sustainable Standards A new sustainability policy by the 3M Corporation, maker of Post-it notes, has drawn support for its goal of making a minimal impact on forests, wildlife and human rights. 3M paper-based products and packaging require pulp and paper from sources around the world. Working in collaboration with ForestEthics and Greenpeace, the company launched a comprehensive review of all of its pulp and paper procurement expectations to ensure the materials are produced from sustainably logged timber. 3M will now hold paper and pulp suppliers accountable to one of the highest standards in the industry for environmental protection and respect of human rights, including tracing origins and obtaining consent of indigenous peoples and local communities before logging operations occur. The company intends to publish semiannual updates of its progress online. Source: ForestEthics.org

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Uncommon Devotion Religion in America Shows Resilience On any given Sabbath, four of 10 Americans travel to a place of worship, a number that hasn’t fluctuated dramatically in the past half-century. Gallup polls report that more than 81 percent say they identify with a specific religion or denomination; 78 percent say it’s an important part of their lives; and 57 percent believe that religion is able to solve today’s problems. While recent attendance may be off, Americans are no less likely to attend services today than they were in the 1940s and early ’50s, just prior to the ultra-religious following decade. The reason, says Gallup’s Frank Newport, is that U.S. religious worship is cyclical. Today’s practicing religious communities “tend to consist of the seriously committed, not just those swept along by obligation,” reports Christian Smith, director of the Center for the Study of Religion and Society at the University of Notre Dame and coprincipal investigator of the National Study of Youth and Religion. Those that worship regularly are more likely to be older, female and Southern; they also are better educated and stronger financially than those that don’t, according to Newport. At the same time, Mitchell Marcus, a University of Pennsylvania professor, characterizes his Ph.D. students as religiously curious, often devout and eager to talk about their beliefs.

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December 2015

globalbriefs Hear Ye!

Dutch Court Upholds Climate Action as a Human Right Perhaps establishing a new global precedent for a state’s obligation to its citizens in the face of a growing climate crisis, a Dutch court has ruled that the government has a legal duty to reduce carbon emissions by 25 percent by 2020. The decision came in response to a 2013 lawsuit launched by the Amsterdam-based environmental nonprofit Urgenda Foundation and 600 Dutch citizens that argued the government was violating international human rights law by failing to take sufficient measures to combat rising greenhouse gas emissions. A statement from the court reads, “The state must do more to avert the imminent danger caused by climate change, also in view of its duty to provide care to protect and improve the living environment.” In the United States, the youth-led movement Our Children’s Trust (OurChildrens Trust.org) is suing state governments and what they dub “the ruling generation” as accountable for climate inaction. As 350.org co-founder and Communications Director Jamie Henn noted after the ruling, “If the Netherlands sets a precedent, it’s a whole new ball game.” Other countries are weighing the situation, as well. Source: BBC

Good Tithings

Lend a Hand to Causes While You Shop This holiday season, every gift purchased through GoodSearch.com can earn a donation of up to 30 percent of its value for a favorite charity, along with money-saving coupons for the customer. More than 2,500 national retailers are participating in the program, including Apple, Target, Toys “R” Us, Ralph Lauren, Macy’s, 1-800-Flowers, PetSmart and Expedia. Instead of limiting qualifying purchases to a particular product and charity, the campaign includes nearly every product in the store. The donation goes to the charity or school of the shopper’s choice with the cooperation of the organization’s GoodShop, which has raised more than $9 million for charities ranging from The American Red Cross and ASPCA to local homeless shelters and schools. Each Internet search through the website also earns the charity about a penny. With GoodDining, meals at more than 10,000 restaurants earn donations, with more than 100,000 charities and schools benefitting. UNICEF has used money from GoodSearch and GoodShop to provide clean drinking water to more than 200,000 children.

Interactive Government

White House Responds to Online Petitions President Obama has made it a priority to open a direct channel for people to be heard via online petitions. Jason Goldman, chief digital officer at the White House, says that his staff has responded to dozens of requests to take action on a variety of issues in recent months. “We want to make sure those responses aren’t the final page, but rather the start of an ongoing conversation,” he says. Change.org has chosen to integrate with the We the People platform, meaning the future signatures of its 100 million users will count toward the threshold of 100,000 for getting an official response from the administration. “The process of hearing from us about your petition is going to look a little different,” says Goldman. “We’ve assembled a team of people responsible for taking your questions and requests and bringing them to the right people, whether within the White House or in an agency within the administration that may be in a position to say something about your request.” Visit Petitions.WhiteHouse.gov.

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World Powers Vow Cuts in Emissions This year’s G7 Summit of the U.S., UK, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and Japan, plus the European Union, has agreed in principle that the global economy must be completely fossil fuel-free by the end of this century to curb destructive climate change. To that end, the nations agreed to work toward cutting emissions between 40 and 70 percent by 2050. German Chancellor Angela Merkel also announced that the G7 countries would raise $100 billion from public and private sources by 2020 to help poorer nations adapt. Environmental groups such as Greenpeace praised the action. In a statement, the Sierra Club called it “the first time that the leaders of the world have made clear with one voice that we must get off fossil fuels completely.” Two hundred countries are expected to commit in writing to specific plans for greening their economies at the United Nations Climate Change Conference this month in Paris. Source: TheHill.com

Last-minute online shopping can be costly in both dollars and pollution. Choosing next-day delivery puts purchased products on a plane that burns far more carbon-producing fossil fuel than ground transportation. But there’s a better way, and how we package gifts for shipping counts. Order and ship early. Building in more lead time affords less costly shipping options. Eco-wise, if the shipper has some freedom in scheduling deliveries, it can choose to hold up a delivery truck until it’s full, rather than sending one out half-empty. Also, if a package doesn’t have to reach its destination by a particular day or time, the company can choose the most efficient local delivery routing. A recent University of Washington study found that a community using grocery delivery services slashed carbon emissions when compared to individuals driving to the supermarket. Plus, they achieved their biggest gains—80 to 90 percent lower emissions—when they could plan deliveries around customer locations, rather than precise delivery windows, thus minimizing driving distance and time on the road. Seek out available boxes. Many grocery and beverage stores don’t immediately break down incoming cardboard shipping boxes. Ask a store attendant if they have any available. Reusing saved paper bags from checkout (for those that don’t bring reusable bags) can serve to cushion gift-wrapped boxes. GreenAmerica.org suggests repurposing gently-used wrapping paper or old fabrics, newspapers, magazines or calendars for a creative look. Return any foam peanuts in received packages to a pack-n-ship shop for reuse. Know the options. While U.S. Postal Service (usps.com) Priority Mail offers flat rates to any state regardless of weight (up to 70 pounds), package tracking and other year-round features, the cost of using other carriers varies by destination zip code, package size and weight. Verify price and timing options, making sure packages arrive in good time to be under the Christmas tree before December 25.

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total of 683,149 certified signatures are required to put the Florida constitutional amendment, Limits or Prevents Barriers to Local Solar Electricity Supply, on the November 2016 ballot. Petitions must be signed and submitted by the end of December to insure that this happens. Floridians for Solar Choice, a grassroots citizens’ effort to allow more homes and businesses to generate electricity by harnessing the power of the sun, is promoting this constitutional amendment that would give Florida’s families and businesses the right to choose solar power. Volunteers from organizations including the League of Women Voters of Florida, Florida Retail Federation, Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association, Christian Coalition of America and Florida Tea Party are supporting the signing of petitions and collecting signatures at family and faith gatherings, concerts and farmers’ markets. Although sunshine is abundant, currently, Florida is one of only five states in the nation that prohibit citizens from buying electricity from companies that will put solar panels on personal residences or business. This prohibition limits customer choice and blocks the growth of this abundant, clean, homegrown energy source. Past legislative efforts to overcome barriers to solar choice have been blocked by large, monopolistic utility companies such as Florida Power and Light (FPL) and Duke Energy. These power companies do not want to lose their exclusive hold on Florida’s electric customers or their income. Floridians for Solar Choice supporters believe that Florida citizens should have the right and freedom to choose solar power generated electricity if and from whom they want. “Don’t be fooled by the confusing language of Consumers for Smart Solar, an organization that put forth its own solar power constitutional amendment. On the surface it appears pro-solar, but instead will only maintain the status quo. The group, mostly backed by the state’s utility companies, is using the oldest political ploy in the book by trying to confuse people,” says Susan Glickman, Florida director of the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, the nonprofit, nonpartisan organization behind Floridians for Solar Choice.

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he air conditioning and heating (HVAC) system in residential A/C units consumes about 45% of all electrical uses within our homes. So, in general, if your power bill is $300 per month in the summer, you’re A/C is responsible for about $135 of the bill. Not only is the HVAC system the largest consumer of energy in the home, but it wastes more than any other device – including lights and all other appliances. In 2007, over 113 million homes consumed nearly 1.4 trillion kWh of electrical energy and due to inefficiencies , the total waste equaled about 212-billion kWh -- or enough energy to power 17-million new homes. This issue is exacerbated by the fact that the problem is unseen. In other words, we are simply unaware of the waste within our HVAC systems. We continue to pour millions of dollars out an open window needlessly. Technology has now provided an answer.

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can throw away those restrictive, costly and annoying filters. These filters are unnecessary and the need to clean the coil is eliminated, the HVAC system can now operate at peak performance all year, translating into cooler air for less money$$. A clean system is an efficient system. Oh, and not only do you save money but the Everclean Green system also effectively eliminates airborne particles, toxins, dust, mold, viruses, and bacteria growing and circulating through the system for heather indoor air. This system is now available for existing and new HVAC units in the Panhandle. Stop paying huge electric bills and sweating today. Ask your local A/C contractor about this innovative product today or go to www.evercleangreen.com to find a local authorized contractor for an Everclean Green system.

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he Emotion Code technique was created by holistic physician Dr. Bradley Nelson, using Applied Kinesiology, or muscle testing, to communicate with the subconscious mind. This technique is based on the belief that traumatic emotional events from our past can still be haunting us in the form of trapped emotions that inhabit our body. The Emotion Code technique has been claimed by proponents to be able to release trapped emotions, helping eliminate past personal obstacles, self-sabotage, recurring relationship difficulties and other limiting beliefs and behaviors. The subconscious mind overrides the conscious mind. Our body expresses subconscious emotions through physical symptoms, behavior or even the inability to verbally release toxic emotions. As Dr. Darren Weissman states in his book Awakening to the Secret Code of your Mind, “All pain, fear, and stress are subconscious expressions of emotion based upon protection and learning.” Once we

discover and harmonize the emotions, which are the root cause of the symptom, those symptoms begin to ease and ultimately go away. Dr. Bradley Nelson, in his book The Emotion Code, states that the ancient physicians were on to something when they observed that people that lived in anger tended to suffer from liver and gall bladder issues; those that lived in fear tended to suffer from bladder or kidney issues; and those that lived in grief tended to suffer from lung or colon issues. Some say today that our entire body is intelligent, not just our brain, and that our organs house individual intelligence that performs certain functions and produces specific emotions or feelings. Susan Giangiulio is a certified LifeLine Technique practitioner and a certified Emotion Code practitioner. Contact her at 850-240-2279 or visit Back-toBasic-Wellness.com. For more information, visit DrBradleyNelson.com/ the-emotion-code.

Healing takes courage, and we all have courage, even if we have to dig a little to find it. ~Tori Amos

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December 2015

AWAKENING TO SPIRIT Prayer and Meditation Heal and Free Us by Richard Davenport

By its intimate connection with divine love, Spirit infuses human experience with qualities of amazing grace—unexpected clarity, vision, wisdom, peace, compassion, emotional release, inspirational epiphanies, deep understanding and comprehensive healing of mind, body and soul.

hile society abounds with scientific research, products and practices that promise to enhance our mind or body and the mind-body connection, without Spirit in the mix, neither rises to its full potential. A heart open to a higher power exponentially multiplies the effects of this crucial connection. “Just as a candle spreads light in a darkened room, people who are living in-Spirit give off a higher energy that can bring light to our hearts and minds. In other words, we can be inspired just by being in their presence,” according to renowned bestselling author Wayne Dyer, Ph.D. Experiential, non-verbal and lifechanging encounters with the unbounded power and presence of Spirit in prayer and meditation are difficult to analyze in the same way as mind-body 22

science. However, Dyer points to the works and outcomes of Spirit as visible evidence of how it lifts us up. We see individuals with rapturous hearts sending out signals that they love the world and everyone in it. Those that live in Spirit tend to see the world as a friendly place, are at peace with themselves, appear to be open and accepting rather than judgmental and harsh, and often report being healed of all sorts of diseases, relationship challenges, career fluctuations and questions of purpose and direction. They attest to how Spirit shines a triumphant light in the midst of dark nights of the soul, redefining the essence of life itself and declaring us worthy in our innermost reaches.

Personal Healing

When a 19-year-old woman entered basic military training at Lackland Air

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Force Base, in San Antonio, Texas, and was undergoing initial medical and psychological screening, she was identified as having body and mind issues that would require her to be separated from the service. These problems included organ failures and spinal misalignment, as well as severe consequences of an emotionally abusive upbringing. It was determined that she could not handle the physical and mental demands of military life. Because the policy was to not treat such problems if identified upon entering the service, authorities allowed her to remain in training until her separation from the Air Force could be processed. The woman was impressed and also distressed by the finality of the verdict and assessment tools used by mind and body experts among the medical staff. In talking with a chaplain on the base, she came to understand that she could choose to appeal her case to another jurisdiction, a “higher” court of Spirit. Focusing on the voice of divine love, she grew to see Spirit as more than a higher power. She saw Spirit as a higher authority. She surrendered to divine love’s authority as ultimate law, supremely qualified to reorder her whole being. She trusted that aligning with spiritual power could change her view of her identity and the seemingly inescapable consequences of genetics, environment and human history denying her desire to serve her country in this way. Listening to a higher witness testifying on her behalf and identifying her authentic being as the magnificent expression of the magnificent Creator, she felt encouraged to the point that her mind and body stopped arresting her progress and became more effective servants, responding with greater freedom and joy. One limitation after another fell away, and the military and medical authorities seemed pleased with her progress as she neared completion of training. Finally, performing a mile-and-a-half run within a required time remained the only obstacle to graduation, and she was still 45 seconds too slow. This helpful passage from the Hebrew prophet Isaiah became central to her prayer and meditation as she approached her last running attempt:

Young people will get tired; strapping young men will stumble and fall. But those who trust in the Eternal One will regain their strength. They will soar on wings as eagles. They will run—never winded, never weary. They will walk—never tired, never faint. ~Isaiah 40: 30-31 (The Voice) She passed her final attempt with 18 seconds to spare, running on eagles’ wings. So, how can we all discern such a divine witness to our original authentic being amidst loud testimony of all the voices and labels shouting in our head and body, including those imposed by others?

Prayer and Meditation

There are two approaches to listening to the voice within, whether we name it God, higher power, Spirit, grace, Eternal One, or divine love or Love. Complementary, rather than mutually exclusive, both approaches require a capacity, gained through patient practice, of quieting the inner and outer chatter and learning to hear that which calls us to be more than what human experience suggests is possible. It’s who we are in the eyes of grace. Sanford C. Wilder, of Grafton, Illinois, author of Listening to Grace, offers personal growth and development programs through EducareUnlearning.com that encourage prayer and meditation that emphasize listening. He practices both approaches and makes distinctions between them. “When I pray, I am directing my thoughts toward God, listening and often affirming what I know to be divinely true. I am yearning to surrender my will and affections in conscious connection with the divine such that I or another receives a blessing,” shares Wilder. In such prayerful listening, he hopes to gain something, often a new insight and corresponding manifestation. “When I meditate, my intention is to sacrifice every thought, concept, image and feeling to God, the only consciousness. I trust that listening and observing with nonattachment helps me release conscious and unconscious

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To feel Spirit’s presence, we must surrender our own sense of how it will work, its timeline and the impact on our ego or status quo. As with anything worthwhile, conscientious practice is essential. conditioned thought patterns permeated by a human sense of self.” Through meditative listening, he hopes to release everything rather than receive anything, accepting that everyone is equipped and able to be open to, witness and experience nonstop blessings. Helen Mathis has been an educator in the Philippines and Swaziland as well as the U.S., including an instructor of religion at Principia College, near St. Louis; she is now part of a Centering Prayer Circle in Stockton, California. She explains that centering prayer may be seen as a hybrid that embraces both prayer and meditation, nourishing what’s beneath the preoccupied self to awaken a deeper and vastly more authentic self. Mathis appreciates what Cynthia Bourgeault explores in her book Centering Prayer and Inner Awakening, that, “This confusion between small self and the larger Self… [the] ‘True Self,’ ‘Essential Self’ or ‘Real I’—is the core illusion of the human condition, and penetrating this illusion is what awakening is all about.” Like Bourgeault, Mathis believes that it’s not about the absence of

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Through conscious listening we discover that our true nature—as witnessed by Spirit—though sometimes obscured from view, is never altered from its original beauty and wholeness. ~Helen Mathis thoughts so much as detaching from our thoughts, trusting that we can let go and be safe, consent to surrender human will and forgo personal agendas. Only then can spiritual sense come into play. “The goal is to awaken to, open to and get in touch with our innermost being and Spirit,” Mathis affirms. “Clearly, centering prayer assumes we each have a spiritual awareness of the divine within us that acts, as Bourgeault puts it, as ‘a kind of interior compass whose magnetic north is always fixed on God.’”

Core Shift

We often approach a Spirit dimension with the attitude of “what it can do for me.” The higher practice that mystics and other deep thinkers of various faith traditions ultimately arrive at instead centers on transforming our whole self to align with Spirit’s purpose for us, which changes everything. Reverend Dr. Michael Beckwith, founder of the New Thought Agape Spiritual Center, in Los Angeles, and a spiritual mentor to Oprah Winfrey, believes, “The relationship we have with the infinite is more about how we are to serve it than it is to serve us.” Beckwith describes three primary stages of realizing the power and purpose of divine Spirit expressed as our spirit. The first is that of a victim (feeling powerless, unable to effect change). The second is when an individual learns the existence of universal law that responds to our thinking, emotions and attitude; we learn how to use it to stabilize life structures and demonstrate health and well-being. 24

“Ultimately, in stage three, we become a vehicle of life in service to life. Instead of using the law, the law uses us. Life fulfills its own nature through us,” he says. “All of life is conspiring for our freedom, liberation, wholeness and health.” He urges us not to stop and stagnate at stage two, using divine laws only to manifest personal conveniences, stuff and even people for our use; this can hijack views of abundance into materialism and consumerism. He quips, “We are not here to go shopping.”

Dwelling in Spirit

Grace and Spirit work in us, through us and between us, yet we can’t simply summon them up or outline their outcomes.

To feel Spirit’s presence, we must surrender our own sense of how it will work, its timeline and the impact on our ego or status quo. As with anything worthwhile, conscientious practice is essential. Life, defined by Spirit, gives fresh strength and impetus to mind and body. All three are vital elements of the dance of life. Richard Davenport is a spiritual life educator (HigherGroundForLife.com) and the founding executive director of an inclusive nationwide Bible and spiritual life community (BibleAndSpiritualLife. org). Now based in St. Louis, MO, he is a retired Air Force chaplain, having served at Lackland and other U.S. Air Force bases on three continents.

FIVE WAYS TO PRAY FROM THE HEART by Richard Davenport

rayer from a heart willing to surrender, change, learn, grow and bless others works to keep us centered on pure motives like wellness, wholeheartedness and compassion. Such prayer can help us progress spiritually. These five forms of prayer, found in the Bible, have a universal application to any spiritual practice. Although differing in their approach, all share the purpose of creating a fuller mindfulness of our true identity and relationship to the divine, while enhancing our capacity to bless all creation. If we are not feeling the desired breakthroughs using one form, perhaps the one most familiar or comfortable to us, we might do well to explore others. Praise – a posture of adoration, honoring and surrender to a power, vision, and authority greater than our own. Thanksgiving – or better yet, for its consistency and permeating of our whole self, thanks-living. The garden of our spirit is enriched by embracing a gratitude attitude in all we do. Petition – a relational posture that opens our heart as we learn to ask for help, to seek perspective beyond a limited self, beyond a smaller, egodriven orientation.

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Intercession – praying for others; blessing, honoring and cherishing them as God sees them. When we feel burdened and blocked by our own trials, expressing empathy and compassion for others can unlock our heart and mind. We can lovingly witness the true nature of those that are seemingly tangled in forces blocking or opposing their higher good. Affirmation – release and rest in divine authority, acknowledging the uni-verse as literally one song reflecting the singular harmony that Spirit knows and is unfolding in every moment to meet our need in forms we can see and feel right now.

Heart Wisdom Guides Healing Meditation by Alice McCall

very person is a unique creation, with special skills, knowledge and purpose. Although it can be helpful to seek answers outside of ourselves, that input is about another’s perspective and may not be totally relevant. However, there is another way. Information and wisdom that is tailored specially for each person can be found inside, within our heart and soul. It is possible to connect with this inner guidance by utilizing the tool of meditation. Follow these steps to engage in a meditation that connects with powerful heart wisdom for guidance. Begin with closed eyes. Quiet

the entire body, mind, and emotion of one’s self. Breathe deeply and slowly, focusing on the rhythm until a feeling of being centered is achieved. Using both intention and physical concentration, focus on the heart’s physical location, the source of all wisdom and guidance. Intention setting absolutely sets the tone and direction of heart meditations. The intentions can be broad and vague or geared to a very specific dilemma. An example is, “I intend that I will receive information or understanding that will be useful to me in my life right now.”

Be patient. It could take several attempts before beneficial wisdom and guidance appear. This is not about instant gratification. It can take time to establish a relationship with the core of one’s self and usually requires practice. Know that rewarding, inspiring and enlightening gifts wait just around the corner. Commit to the practice of connecting with the heart’s wisdom. Listen to that inner voice and be disciplined about maintaining a relationship with that part of self. The results are amazing. Changes in old routines will naturally occur as the guidance from heart wisdom leads the way. In addition to the benefits of heart wisdom, there are separate benefits to meditation, such as minimizing stress and enhancing personal balance. With the bustle of the holidays, it is easy to feel stressed or uncertain, which makes it a perfect time to start a practice of meditating with one’s heart. Stress management, rebalancing of self and guidance from one’s heart are only a few of the far-reaching benefits. With continual practice, one’s inner wisdom becomes a stronger guiding force towards achieving one’s heart’s desire. Alice McCall, a certified hypnotist and author of Wellness Wisdom, can reached at HealingPath.info.

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December 2015

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he simple act of effective,” says Rabbi The film Renewal David Freelund, of the switching on a bulb can light a documents this grass- Cape Cod Synagogue, room; preaching that in Hyannis, Massachuroots movement at setts. “Going solar made humans are caretakers of the Earth can enlight- RenewalProject.net. sense. We leased panels, en a community. “How joined a renewable enerare we faithful to God’s creation?” asks gy credit program and now generate 90 Diana Butler Bass, Ph.D., author of percent of our energy.” Grounded: Finding God in the World— The synagogue also upgrades A Spiritual Revolution, in Alexandria, equipment to more efficient levels Virginia. “The connection between the when it’s time for replacement, comnatural world and the world we live posts waste, maintains a garden to in helps us understand the remarkable supply a local food pantry, switched to responsibility we have to the planet.” LED lights, zoned their facility’s heating Along with an emotional bottom and cooling and follows a single-stream line, many people pose a greater quesrecycling program. “We seek to lead tion: What is the cost to our spiritual by example. Members ask, ‘What else life if we act selfishly? “We need to can we do?’ As Jews, our mission is not know what is sacred and what matters fulfilled unless we lift up others toward for generations to come,” says Bass. the divine,” says Freelund. “This is an exciting time for communi Windows often make up a large ties of faith to work together.” Churches, portion of a building of worship, but synagogues, mosques and other faith can be the least energy-efficient comgroups are sending a message to their ponents. Members of Colorado’s Steamcongregations and communities: We boat Christian Center, in Steamboat need to care for what the Creator has Springs, used to wear sunglasses or given us. change seats during services to escape the sun’s glare and heat. After installShowing the Way ing smart glass windows, everyone can “We wanted to reduce reliance on now fully concentrate on the sermon. foreign oil, support local businesses, “The glass tints like transition buy American-made and be costsunglasses, based on available light or

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preprogrammed preferences,” explains Brandon Tinianov, a senior director with View Dynamic Glass, the company that supplied the new windows. “It also reduces heating and cooling costs.”

Laying Down Burdens

“Clutter represents postponed decisions,” says Barbara Hemphill, author of Less Clutter, More Life, in Raleigh, North Carolina. “Lack of time, interest and energy keep us from passing along what we no longer want or need. For most of us, 80 percent of what we keep, we never use.” That includes paperwork, another specialty of her Productive Environment Institute. When the United Methodist North Carolina Conference Center’s new building was ready, there was plenty to sort through before moving. “We estimate seven tons of items were recycled. It became an example for individual churches,” says Hemphill. Her own church, Mount Zion Methodist, in nearby Garner, has cleared out two storage rooms. Items were reclaimed, auctioned or donated to a shelter. “We gained Sunday school rooms in return,” she says.

We need a conversation which includes everyone, since the environmental challenge we are undergoing, and its human roots, concern and affect us all. ~Pope Francis

Practice Makes Perfect

Awareness of the environment and eco-friendly living is a concept religions agree on. At the All Dulles Area Muslim Society, in Sterling, Virginia, an education program encourages community members to recycle, plant trees and lower water and energy usage. Including their Sunday School, they reduced their overall carbon footprint by 13 percent and energy consumption by 21 percent. Interfaith Power & Light is active in most states and can help implement such user- and eco-friendly changes. Imam Johari Abdul-Malik, the director of outreach for the Dar Al

Hijrah Islamic Center, in Falls Church, Virginia, suggests thinking larger and encourages members to ask for changes in public policies by lobbying their representatives. In 2016, the Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago will promote a Green Ramadan. During Ramadan, members re-evaluate their lives in light of Islamic guidance. Greener than most, The Garden Church, in San Pedro, California, has no building. “People tell me, ‘The outdoors is my church;’ I take them at their word,” says founding Pastor Anna Woofenden. “We have a central table surrounded by gardens. About 90 percent of what we grow is vegetables, the rest is flowers. This church is a living sanctuary, a place to belong, a place of community. God’s love is made visible as people are fed in body, mind and spirit.” “Eco-friendly teaching represents a new spiritual imagination of how to live well in the world,” observes Bass. “Faith makes a difference.” Connect with the freelance writer via AveryMack@mindspring.com.

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MOVEMENT THERAPY

• Pilates Fitness & Rehabilitation • GYROTONIC EXPANSION SYSTEM® BOTH SYSTEMS IMPROVE: Posture • Balance • Joint Health • Body Awareness Coordination - Both Mental and Physical Strength of Your Deep and Superﬁcial Core Muscles Overall Strength and Flexibility • Athletic Performance Lung Capacity and Circulation • Body Symmetry Attention • Efﬁciency and Grace of Movement

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Dunmire Village B Dunmire Pensacola Myofascial Release 1310 and Structural Integration lLMT# MA64267 Pilates Fitness & Rehabilitation, Yoga, Gyrotonic®, Spinning

MANUAL THERAPY

Where You Can Mind Your Body

pilatescoretraining.com 2130 Summit Blvd. at Roger Scott Rec. Center

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Private sessions and group classes

• Myofascial Release Approach • Rolf Method of Structural Integration BOTH TECHNIQUES MAY IMPROVE: Back Pain • Neck Pain • Chronic Pain • Disc Pain Migraines • Jaw Pain (TMD) • Scoliosis • Posture Carpal Tunnel Syndrome • Sciatica • Sports Injuries Chronic Stress • Piriformis Syndrome • Adhesions Whiplash • Pelvic Pain • Fibromyalgia • Asthma

Metamorphosis

A mArked or complete chAnge of chArActer, AppeArAnce, or condition Transforming the Body & Mind through techniques and treatments that assist in your personal metamorphosis process. BODY • Colon Hydrotherapy (Colonics) • Total Body Detoxing Treatments • Infrared Sauna • Weight Loss with optional Transformation Coaching Therapy • Skin Rejuvenation Treatments • Traeger Integrated Body Work - for release of trapped emotions in the tissue • Supplements that treat the entire digestive tract MIND: • Transcendental Meditation Training • Weekly Group Meditations • Transformation Life Coaching • Nutritional Classes • Law of Attraction Classes • Abundance Workshops • Self-Transformation Workshops

A New Thought Spiritual Center A Family Oriented Holistic Church Providing Spiritual Guidance at Your Pace “We Empower You to Fulfill Your Spiritual Purpose” ServiCe TimeS Sunday Service at 10:30 Am Wed. Prayer at 12:00 Pm

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natural awakenings

December 2015

healingways

care product that includes a scent. Lab tests commissioned by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics and analyzed by the EWG confirm the presence of parabens that interfere with hormone production, cancer-causing phthalates, and synthetic musks that have been linked to hormone disruption, among many other ills.

Naturally Safe Scents

HEAVENLY SCENTS How to Make Your Own Natural Oil Fragrances by Kathleen Barnes

whiff of sweetness can communicate a personal signature of tranquility, alertness or romance, or it can cause a bout of miserable sneezing, wheezing or nausea for those in the vicinity and even the unwitting wearer.

Commercial Chemicals

“When you see ‘fragrance’ on a personal care product label, read it as ‘hidden chemicals,’” warns the Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit watchdog Environmental Working Group (EWG). “A major loophole in the [U.S.] Food and

Drug Administration’s federal law lets manufacturers of products like shampoo, lotion and body wash include nearly any ingredient under the term fragrance without actually listing the chemical.” Companies that manufacture personal care products are required by law to list the ingredients they use, but fragrances and trade-secret formulas are exempt. What’s known as a dirty little secret in the fragrance industry is the unlabeled presence of toxic chemicals not only in perfumes, but in any personal

The 1-2-3s of Blending Oils Base Notes Middle Notes Top Notes sandalwood lavender orange jasmine bergamot lemon myrrh geranium grapefruit vetiver rosemary eucalyptus patchouli tea tree lime cedarwood clary sage peppermint

Customized Blends

“It’s fun to experiment with organic essential oils and create that unique blend that becomes a personal signature,” says Charlynn Avery, an aromatherapist with Aura Cacia, in Norway, Iowa. She explains that essential oils have three basic “notes” and blending them correctly will result in a fragrance suited to last throughout the day.

A general ratio of 50 percent base note oils to 30 percent middle notes and 20 percent top notes is recommended. Source: courtesy of AuraCacia.com 30

Natural Awakenings of Northwest Florida

“Opting for natural scents from organic essential oils not only offers a toxinfree alternative, the oils’ aromatherapy benefits have time-proven therapeutic value,” suggests Dorene Petersen, president and founder of the American College of Healthcare Sciences, in Portland, Oregon. Recent research from the Pontificia Universidade Catolica, in Brazil, confirms that lavender oil has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and pain-relieving properties similar to those of a mild-dose narcotic. Plus, it smells heavenly, says botanical perfumer Roxana Villa, of Woodland Hills, a California-based spokesperson for the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy. “Considering the part of the plant used will give you an idea of its therapeutic value,” says Villa. “A root base will be good for grounding. Since bark is like skin, oils such as birch will benefit skin and muscles. Oils from flowers are excellent for anything related to the head and mind.” Oregano and cinnamon oils have powerful antifungal properties, even against Candida-type fungi resistant to prescription drugs, according to Brazilian research from Universidade Federal. A groundbreaking study from the Slovak University of Technology, in Slovakia, even suggests that rosemary oil can kill cancer cells. These are all scents that can be the foundations of do-it-yourself perfumes.

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“The base note is heavier and lasts the longest. Patchouli, vetiver, sandalwood, cedarwood and jasmine hang around longer in the atmosphere and on the wearer,” she explains. Blending the base with a slightly lighter middle note like lavender, rosemary or clary sage and a light and short-lasting top note like orange, lime or peppermint will create a complex and pleasing blend. “That’s the beauty of the art of it,” says Avery. “You can create synergistic blends that harmonize and complement the attributes of each to such an extent that you may not be able to detect the scents of the individual oils.” There are no hard and fast rules, but our experts offer a few guidelines for creating our own unique blends that will be well-received as holiday gifts. Use a base of oil like jojoba or sweet almond to create a perfumed oil. Note that oils undiluted by a carrier can burn the skin. For oil-based blends, use a ratio of 50 drops of bottom note oil, 30 drops of a middle note and 20 drops of a top note in two ounces of carrier oil. Another option is to use an alcohol

base of either isopropyl rubbing alcohol or 85-proof vodka to make a spray perfume; the alcohol will evaporate quickly. Alcohol-based blends generally last longer, especially with fragile citrus oils. A usual ratio is 10 to 20 drops of essential oil per ounce of alcoholbased carrier. Oil-based blends are ready to use almost immediately. Alcohol-based blends should age a week or two at least and will become more strongly scented in time. Store fragrances in bottles in a dark, cool place. Bottles with tiny rollon caps are commercially available. “It’s very much trial and error to arrive at a preferred scent, so be creative and keep careful notes of experiments and improve on them as you gain experience,” counsels Avery. “If you crinkle your nose at patchouli, you probably won’t like an oil blend with it, either. Choose scents you like.” Kathleen Barnes is author of numerous natural health books including Food Is Medicine. Connect at Kathleen Barnes.com.

GIFT BLEND FOR MEN Western cultures value “manly” Earth scents like sandalwood and cedarwood, while in other cultures, flowery scents are acceptable for men. An appealing woodsy blend for an American male blends cedarwood, clary sage and lime.

Specializing in one-on-one perSonal care

Encouraging our Local Community to Live a Natural Life

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Classes: Dec. 5th • “Beeswax Candle Making” Dec.12th • dōTERRA “Healing Oils of the Bible” Dec.19th • do TERRA “Frankinsense and Myrrh”

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December 2015

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SWEETLY VEGAN No-Bake Holiday Treats Worth Celebrating by Judith Fertig

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isions of sugar plums” have been part of holiday mindsets since the advent of Clement Moore’s classic 19th-century poem commonly known as ’Twas the Night Before Christmas. We love to give and receive special treats and our tastes are evolving. Instead of yesteryear’s sugary bonbons loaded with calories that we’ve come to regret, today’s preferred confections focus more on naturally sweet dried fruits, bestquality chocolate, healthful coconut and crunchy nuts. Vegan, gluten-free delicacies from chefs and culinary experts the world over help us celebrate the season in a deliciously healthy way, including those we highlight this month. “Christmas isn’t Christmas without a traditional pudding,” says Chef Teresa Cutter, author of Purely Delicious. Cutter is founder and director of The Healthy Chef company, in Sydney, Australia, which creates functional foods for taste and optimal health. Her no-bake desserts such as miniature Christmas puddings and carrot cake take only minutes to make.

NaturalAwakeningsSingles.com 32

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Emily Holmes, a Queensland, Australia, wellness coach who blogs at Conscious-Foodie.com, says her favorite is Holmes’ Chocolate Cherry Mini-Cupcakes. She serves them with a pot of peppermint tea. Houston-based Joshua Weissman is the author of The Slim Palate Paleo Cookbook and blogs at SlimPalate. com. He shares his philosophy on holiday treats: “My first thought is that I don’t want to feel guilty after eating it. My second is that I still want it to taste and look good.” His Almond Butter Pumpkin Pie Truffles fit the festive bill. In New York City, noted vegan cookbook author and Pastry Chef Fran Costigan is an expert in all things chocolate, including her Chocolate Orange Sesame Truffles. “When you make something really delicious with real ingredients, your mouth knows it, your brain knows it, your body knows it. You feel satisfied,” she says. Judith Fertig blogs at AlfrescoFood AndLifestyle.blogspot.com from Overland Park, KS.

Natural Awakenings recommends using organic and non-GMO (genetically modified) ingredients whenever possible. www.NWFNaturally.com

Photo by Stephen Blancett

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No-Bake Festive Vegan Desserts

Combine walnuts, flaxseed, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, orange zest and sea salt into a food processor and run it until mixed and finely chopped. Add dates and apricots. Process again until thoroughly mixed.

Spoon a little white chocolate over the tops of the puddings if desired and garnish with goji berries, fresh cherries or another fanciful topper. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Serve puddings with chilled mango coconut custard.

Spoon into a bowl. Add and knead oats through the raw carrot cake mixture. Press cake firmly into a 6-inch round baking dish lined with parchment paper.

Mango Coconut Custard 1 mango, chopped ½ cup coconut milk Juice from ½ orange

Teresa Cutter’s Healthy Christmas Puddings Yields: 6 to 8 small puddings

Combine all ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth. Serve chilled with the puddings.

8 oz fresh pitted dates—approximately 10 to 15 dates, depending on their size Zest from 1 orange 9 oz dried apricots, chopped 1½ cups almond meal/ground almonds 1 tsp vanilla bean paste or extract 1 tsp ground cinnamon ¼ tsp ground nutmeg ¼ tsp ground ginger 1 to 2 Tbsp orange juice 3 oz white chocolate, melted, for decoration (optional) Combine dates, orange zest, apricots, vanilla, ground almonds, cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger in a food processor. Process until mixture is combined and looks like fine crumbs. Spoon the mixture into a large bowl. Add the orange juice, and then mix again. Pudding mix should come together when lightly hand-squeezed. Divide into 6 small puddings. Line the base of 6 small decorative molds with plastic wrap and firmly press the puddings into them. Once firmly packed in the mold, invert the pudding and remove the plastic wrap. Melt white chocolate in a small bowl set over a simmering pot of water.

Add grated raw carrot and vanilla and then process again until combined. The mix should now form a nice dough.

Refrigerate until ready to serve, allowing at least 2 hours for the cake to rest. It will keep in the refrigerator for about a week. Enjoy as is or garnish with macadamia nut cream, a drizzle of honey and walnuts. Note: Other raw nuts can substitute for walnuts—try pecans, almonds or macadamia nuts. Macadamia Nut Cream Combine 1 cup of raw cashew nuts or macadamia nuts with ½ cup of orange juice or coconut water and a little vanilla. Blend in a high-speed blender like a Vitamix until smooth and creamy.

Teresa Cutter’s No-Bake Carrot Cake Yields: 16 servings 2½ cups (9½ oz) shelled walnuts 1 Tbsp ground flaxseed or whole chia seeds ½ cup (2 oz) rolled oats (or gluten-free almond meal) 1 tsp ground cinnamon ¼ tsp ground ginger ¼ tsp ground nutmeg ¼ tsp sea salt 1 cup (6½ oz) of 12 large fresh dates, pitted ½ cup (3 oz) dried chopped apricots or pineapple (sulfur-free) 2 large raw carrots, grated Zest from 1 orange 2 tsp vanilla bean paste

Emily Holmes’ Chocolate Cherry Mini-Cupcakes Yields: 2 dozen mini-cupcakes Cake 1 cup raw, shelled, skinned nuts (such as almonds) 1 /3 cup cacao powder 4 fresh dates, pitted Filling 2 cup shredded coconut 1 cup dried cherries 6 fresh dates, pitted ¼ cup coconut cream ¼ tsp vanilla powder Pinch of sea salt

natural awakenings

December 2015

Coating (vanilla bean white chocolate) 2 oz food grade (not for skin care) cacao butter broken up into small pieces for melting ¼-½ vanilla bean pod, cut in half lengthwise to scrape out the interior, or 1 tsp vanilla bean paste 20 drops stevia (like Sweetleaf Steviaclear drops)

Topping 3½ oz melted dark chocolate Process nuts and cacao powder in a food processor until the nuts are finely ground and the mixture is fully combined. Slowly add the dates until the mixture sticks together. Press the mixture into the bottom parts of a 24-cup mini muffin pan. Refrigerate while preparing the filling.

Chill by refrigerating the mixture for 10 to 20 minutes or freezing it for 2 to 5 minutes. Roll chilled filling mixture into medium-to-small-sized balls a little less than an inch in diameter and place them on a small baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place balls back into the refrigerator for 10 minutes or the freezer for 5 minutes so the balls harden enough to allow dipping.

Place into the refrigerator to set, where it also stores well until served.

Heat a double boiler or small pot that fits into a medium pot of gently boiling water over medium-to-low heat.

Yields: About 12 to 16 (1½-inch) truffles Warm winter spices mix with fragrant pumpkin and almond butter to make seasonal truffles hand dipped in fresh vanilla bean-infused white chocolate. Filling ¼ cup canned pumpkin purée (not pie filling) ¼ cup almond butter ¼ cup vegan cream cheese ¼ tsp cinnamon ¼-½ tsp nutmeg ½ tsp fresh grated ginger 1 Tbsp coconut flour 2 packets stevia (like Sweetleaf packets) 34

Let them cool at room temperature and serve immediately or place them in the refrigerator to harden and serve later. Chilled, truffles will keep for 3 to 5 days.

In a medium-sized bowl, combine everything for the filling, including pumpkin purée, almond butter, cream cheese, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, coconut flour and stevia. Mix thoroughly until smoothly incorporated and no cream cheese chunks are left.

Process filling ingredients in a food processor until well combined. Spoon the filling onto the cupcake base in the muffin cups and then top with melted dark chocolate.

Joshua Weissman’s Almond Butter Pumpkin Pie Truffles

Gently place each treat back onto the tray. Repeat the whole process until all the coated balls are on the tray.

Scrape out the vanilla bean pod, conserving vanilla beans for adding once the cacao butter is melted. Place cacao butter in the top of a double boiler and melt and add stevia. Then add vanilla beans and mix well. Turn the heat to low to keep warm and melted. Pull out the hardened filling shaped into balls and one at a time drop them into the white chocolate mixture and roll them around until they’re fully covered with mixture using fingers or a small spoon. Carefully spoon out each truffle using a spoon, gently tapping the spoon on the inside of the saucepan to slough off excess cacao butter that may pool on it. Take special care not to drop the truffle.

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Fran Costigan’s Chocolate Orange Sesame Truffles Yields: 20 to 24 (1-inch) truffles This creamy chocolate truffle has a slightly chewy texture with a coating for color and crunch. Raw tahini is sweeter than when its roasted and either kind is good. Truffle Ganache 4 oz dark fair trade chocolate (70 to 72 percent), finely chopped Finely minced zest of half a medium orange 3 Tbsp orange juice ¼ cup agave syrup 1 Tbsp raw or roasted tahini, stirred 1½ Tbsp white sesame seeds, lightly toasted 1½ Tbsp black sesame seeds, lightly toasted Place the chocolate in a small heatproof bowl. Mix the orange zest and juice and agave in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat just to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and add the tahini, whisking vigorously. The mix-

other to push it off the spoon into the container. When half the ganache has been used, roll into logs about 1-inch long, washing and drying hands as needed. (If at any time the ganache becomes too soft to shape, refrigerate until cold before proceeding.)

ture will thicken immediately. Don’t be concerned if it looks broken or curdled; it’ll smooth out with whisking. Simmer the mixture for 30 seconds until it’s shiny and smooth. Remove from heat and wait about 30 seconds until it’s no longer steaming and then pour it over the chocolate.

Cover and refrigerate the truffle centers 15 to 25 minutes to set, before final shaping and finishing with the sesame seed coating.

Cover the bowl with a plate. Wait 1 minute and then stir until the chocolate is completely melted. Note: The ganache will not be perfectly smooth.

Truffle Coating Mix the sesame seeds in a small bowl. Sprinkle about 2 tablespoons on the bottom of a shallow container.

Cool to room temperature, stirring a few times using a silicone spatula.

Photo by Steve Legato

Spoon into a small shallow container and refrigerate uncovered about 2 hours until the ganache is firm. The ganache can be covered and refrigerated at this point for up to 1 week. Shape Truffle Centers Remove the ganache from the refrigerator. Use one spoon to scoop out 1-inch pieces of ganache and an-

Put a few logs at a time into the bowl of sesame seeds and roll until lightly coated. Pinch the ends to form the oval quenelle (football) shape. Place the finished truffles in the refrigerator to set for 35 to 45 minutes. Adapted from Vegan Chocolate, by Fran Costigan, used with permission.

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December 2015

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Generous Pint-Sized Givers Teaching Kids How to Care and Share by Jennifer Jacobson

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mong a parent’s greatest rewards is seeing their children grow up to be productive, contributing members of society, including knowing how to give back and enrich the communities in which they live. Children can start participating in the giving process as toddlers. Having them observe regular charitable acts can make a strong impression and catalyze later independent initiatives. Learning how to give and developing the associated skill set is a lifelong journey. Giving becomes a way of life—of looking at the world and determining how to help the causes they feel passionate about. Here’s how to take those crucial first steps. Ask kids how they’d like to help. If giving to a cause is new to the household, explain that the family has many opportunities. Then engage children in a conversation about the general areas they may feel strongly about supporting—perhaps individuals or families in need, animals or wildlife habitat—and start a list of those that the family is interested in. Next, start researching related local organizations, facilities and institutions, and matching them to the topics on the list. Ideas may include food kitchens, pet shelters and animal

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rescues, nature parks, senior citizens’ residences, camps for low-income or physically or mentally challenged children, zoos, museums, aquariums and local libraries. Make a game plan. Get creative about how to actually help the selected causes. Talk it through together, map out activities—like visiting, donating funds or materials or participating in fundraising efforts—and post the results somewhere at home that is highly visible. “Gamify” it to some degree with tasks that turn into goals that turn into accomplishments that result in chits. Quick tasks can make a big difference. Clear the clutter. Every six to 12 months, launch an all-family household closet cleaning day that includes the toy chest and maybe the garage. Add nonperishable healthy food items they’ve picked out while grocery shopping. Make a “donate box” positioned where kids can add to it and deliver the donations often, even if it’s small. Find ways to raise money for donations. Organize a family or neighborhood yard sale or organic bake sale that involves kids at all stages of the project, and give all or a portion of the proceeds to a selected charity. Associate getting with giving. For birthdays and holidays, include a

handwritten “certificate of giving” that specifies the amount of money available for them to gift to their favorite charity. Take the child to the charity site to make the monetary donation in person, if possible. For non-local organizations, write a check and have the child include a letter with their thoughts and mail it. Volunteer to do community service. Public gardens need weeding, historic buildings need painting and food banks need hands. Find goodwill tasks that are age-appropriate and engaging. Grow the mindset. Tell real-life stories about kids or groups of kids that have found creative ways to give back. Encourage empathy by sharing appropriate stories of struggle. Ask kids, “How would you want people to help you in this situation?” Explain the action the family is taking and the resulting benefit to the recipient. The conversation might be, “We don’t need to store all this stuff when someone else could really use it.” Or, “I bet there is a kid out there who would really like playing with this toy. I know you used to love it, but how about if you pass it along to someone else so they can enjoy it as much as you have?” Keep the focus on the people in need and your child’s ability to share an experience through an item. Establishing an impermanent connection to material things can help kids understand the importance of nurturing relationships over acquiring goods. Develop a language of giving in the household by creating opportunities to incorporate it into regular conversation. Appropriate comments could share concepts such as seeing ourselves as stewards of the planet and the things we think we own; it’s our duty to help those in need when we have abundance; and if there is ever a time when we are without, we hope that others will think of us and help us. Teaching children how their thoughts, words and actions impact those around them is a lesson that bears repeating. Jennifer Jacobson lives in Seattle and has served on the boards of several influential nonprofits and other organizations focused on conservation, education and community.

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he majority of the symptoms we can experience during flying—stiffness, poor circulation and swollen feet—are due to lack of movement rather than the altitude or pressurized cabin air. Knowing this can make healthy flying easier. Drinking lots of water and moving about and stretching every two to three hours on long flights is key; trips to the bathroom naturally help fulfill this. We also can keep blood from collecting in our lower extremities by finding a way to elevate our legs and feet periodically. Wiggle all 10 toes, shift positions and go for these six discreet airplane yoga stretches. Etiquette tip: Do the first two stretches at the back of the plane with adequate space and a wall to lean on. Don’t do these in the aisle; hanging on to someone’s seat back rocks it and can be annoying. A quad stretch involves the shoulders, upper legs, calves and ankles, while elevating each foot and getting the blood moving. Hang on to a wall, grab an ankle and bring the heel as close to the butt as possible. Then rotate the ankle in a circular motion. Do this as long as it feels worth doing, and then switch arms and legs. A calf stretch is a simple way to target calf and hamstring muscles, as well as ankles. Stand facing a wall, placing both hands Quad Stretch at shoulder height on the wall for

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Calf Stretch

Upper Body Stretch

Neck Stretch

Twisting the Torso

Bending Forward

balance, elbows bent. Take one foot forward and rest it on its heel, with toes pointing up and resting on the wall. Lean forward to the point of feeling a good stretch in the calf. Stretch 30 seconds per foot, gradually going deeper into the pose after a few breaths. Etiquette tip: The next four stretches can be done in an airplane seat or in the back of the plane. The upper body stretch targets wrists, hands, arms, shoulders, back and the upper body in general. Sit upright with feet firmly planted on the floor. Lift arms up and interlace fingers before turning palms to face the ceiling. Relax the shoulders and neck. The arms shouldn’t be covering the ears and can be adjusted by moving them a few inches forward or back. Tall individuals may need to bend their elbows, which still allows for stretching of the upper body. Neck stretches release tension and stiffness by tilting the head from side-to-side. Don’t make circular motions, as they can cause neck and spine compression. If holding the head to assist a deeper stretch, be considerate of neighbors by pointing the raised elbow forward to cradle the neck instead of resting it on a seatmate. Twisting the torso benefits both the spine and back muscles. Yogis believe that twisting motions also massage internal organs. While twisting, hang on to the armrest with both hands and sit as upright as possible, with legs together and feet firmly planted. Don’t bounce into the pose or shift or lift buttocks off the seat, but make slow, fluid movements. Bending forward while seated gives the back, neck and legs a good, deep stretch. All of these movements work well while we’re in the air and are equally useful on road trips, in the office or whenever we need a break.

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2016

editorial calendar

wisewords

Sharon Salzberg on Mindfulness

JANUARY

health & wellness plus: dance power FEBRUARY

friendship

Simple Ways to Be in the Present Moment

plus: dental health MARCH

food matters

plus: eye health APRIL

by April Thompson

everyday sustainability women’s wellness plus: thyroid health JUNE

happiness

plus: balanced man JULY

independent media

plus: summer harvest AUGUST

empowering youth plus: creativity SEPTEMBER

healing music plus: yoga OCTOBER

community game changers plus: chiropractic NOVEMBER

mental wellness plus: beauty DECEMBER

uplifting humanity

plus: holiday themes

ew York City-born Sharon Salzberg experienced a childhood full of loss and upheaval, losing her parents and living in five different household configurations. In college, she discovered the power of meditation to transform suffering and cope with life’s neverending changes. Born into a Jewish family, Salzberg first encountered Buddhism in 1969 in an Asian philosophy class, inspiring her to undertake an independent study program in India, where she was initiated into the practice via an intense 10-day retreat. “It was very difficult and painful. I sometimes doubted that I’d succeed, yet I never doubted that there was truth there,” she says. Upon her return home, Salzberg dedicated herself to the path of vipassana- (insight) meditation, becoming a renowned teacher and co-founding the Insight Meditation Society, in Barre, Massachusetts. Today she teaches and speaks to diverse audiences worldwide about the power of mindfulness. Salzberg has authored nine books, including the New York Times bestseller Real Happiness, Real Happiness at Work and Lovingkindness.

How do you define mindfulness? Mindfulness is the quality of awareness. When we are mindful, our perception of the present moment isn’t so distorted by bias, adding our own storyline to 40

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reality and pushing away what’s happening.

photo by Fabio Fiippi

plus: freshwater scarcity MAY

Is it possible to be mindful without having an established meditation practice?

Yes, theoretically, but I suspect it’s hard. I honor my own meditation practice for making mindfulness highly accessible for me. It doesn’t take many hours of prep work and is open to everyone. It’s really a practice, like strength training—you have to exercise the mindfulness muscle to reap the benefits.

What’s the best way to arrange time for meditation, and what can motivate us to practice regularly? Having a sense of structure has helped me the most. I believe strongly in the value of a daily practice, however simple or short. We can ritualize certain practices to help remember to pause and be mindful. For example, every time the phone rings, let it ring three times and use that as a trigger to breathe. When you’ve finished writing an email, take a few conscious moments before sending it. There are lots of ways to cut through the momentum of the busyness and craziness of our lives to return to mindfulness. Make a commitment to practice for a certain period of daily time for a month or two, and then reassess. Look

for changes during the active course of daily life and query: How am I speaking to myself or to others? Am I more present? Am I more at ease in letting go? It’s important to look for these subtle changes rather than to set unrealistic expectations for ourselves such as being mindful all day.

Do you have other enabling practices for people new to the state of living mindfully? Movement meditation is a good place to start; if you’re walking somewhere, try to be more present and feel your feet against the ground. Also, just focus on one thing at a time; instead of multitasking, just drink the cup of tea. We can also use breath to focus concentration. The breath is a tremendous tool, it’s always with us. If you’re in a contentious meeting and tempers flare, you don’t have to pull out a meditation cushion and sit in a funny position; you can work with your breath right where you are.

How can meditation help to ease suffering? Sometimes, we think we can ease suffering by only having pleasant feelings and beautiful thoughts. Rather, we can ease suffering by changing the way we relate to our thoughts and feelings. If something unpleasant is happening, most of us flip into an internal monologue about how, “Bad things always happen to me,” or “This is my fault,” or “I shouldn’t feel this.” We compound our suffering by adding judgment and by pushing away discomfort. Instead, we can learn to observe our reactions and release them. We also tend not to feel pleasure fully or think that something else or more should be happening instead of simply enjoying the moment. We wait for some sense of intensity in order to feel alive, rather than experiencing the ordinary to the utmost. Meditation trains us to be present with pleasant, unpleasant and neutral experiences and stay connected, no matter what’s going on. Reach freelance writer April Thompson, of Washington, D.C., at AprilWrites.com.

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December 2015

naturalpet

Eat, Bark and Be Merry Healthy Holiday Treats for Our Pets by Sandra Murphy

s with families everywhere, special taste treats are on the menu for many dogs, cats and wild birds during the holiday season. Owners are cautioned not to share rich, unfamiliar foods from the table that can be detrimental to an animal’s health. Better fare are homemade treats of organic, safe and tasty ingredients—true gifts from the heart. Homemade assures the quality of ingredients, avoids unhealthy additives and allows the giver to adjust for individual taste or food sensitivities. Most healthy recipes can be made from readily available ingredients.

Wild Birds

Offer them a variety of seeds and fresh water. Always use unsalted, unseasoned seeds. Mix harder-to-crack striped sunflower seeds with the smaller black oil version to attract the largest number of birds. Organically grown peanuts in the shell, dried fruit, oranges, pomegranates or rehydrated raisins offer a burst of energy. Impale round fruits, halved, on a small dowel rod attached to the feeding table to hold them in place. Note that oats go to waste, shelled sunflower seeds spoil and cracked corn attracts raccoons. Pass on any kind of popcorn.

enjoy. Don’t use low-fat peanut butter because birds need to pack in the calories in order to stay warm.

Cats

Organic catnip, fresh or dried and baked into a crunchy treat, will bring kitty running. In recipes, avoid canned tuna because of bisphenol A (BPA) concerns; also minimize the frequency and portion of tuna and salmon treats due to mercury accumulation in the fish. Unseasoned tuna or salmon packed in water in a pouch is a better choice. Many recipes labeled for dogs can be converted for cats by making them into smaller bites.

Dogs

“When possible, I put organic and local foods, non-GMO, hormone-and antibiotic-free, grass-fed and humanely raised properties at the top of my list. A healthier dog means fewer

DIY Suet

Mix one part organic peanut butter with five parts organic, non-GMO (genetically modified) corn meal. Smear into a pinecone to hang from a branch or directly on tree bark for woodpeckers and wrens to 42

Natural Awakenings of Northwest Florida

vet visits and more years together,” says Tonya Wilhelm, a dog trainer in Toledo, Ohio. “Buy in bulk from a co-op or farmer and maybe share with friends to get the best price.”

Dehydrated Foods

Dehydrating removes moisture from food while retaining nutrients, and comprises a distinct cooking method. Stephanie Raya, resident chef at Excalibur Dehydrator, in Sacramento, California, recommends, “For safe chicken and pork, pre-cook before dehydrating. Beef can be dehydrated from a raw state. My Boston terriers also love dehydrated, sweet potato chips.” A number of commercial dehydrated meat and fish jerkies have been recalled (search DogFoodAdvisor. com/?s=treats). Homemade treats offer superior control of ingredients. “When I make my pets’ treats, I know what’s in their food, including the herbs used for flavor,” says Raya. After she’s ensured that the food is thoroughly dried, she packs it in vacuum bags and stores them away from light. She notes that dehydrating takes longer than baking, but is cost-effective at 25 to 50 cents an hour. Veggie options include dehydrated zucchini chips, butternut squash chips, cherry tomato bites, matchstick carrots or peach or other fruit slices.

Make it Festive

A cat’s sense of smell is 10 to 15 times better than ours, but is still modest compared to dogs that out-sniff us by a factor of 30 to 60 times; that’s why putting wrapped treats under a holiday tree or in a stocking is a bad idea. Store them securely and then bring them out when it’s time to open gifts. Use blue tissue paper for easy-to-open Hanukkah gifts, red or green for Christmas (bows, yes; ribbons, no). For dogs that love puzzles, placing treats inside a wrapped box adds to the fun. Remember that rich or unfamiliar foods can make pets sick. Instead, gift them with their own healthy, safe treats from known ingredients so that everyone has a happy holiday. Connect with Sandra Murphy at StLouisFreelanceWriter@mindspring.com.

www.NWFNaturally.com

Special Holiday Pet Recipes Chicken Bites Yields: Approximately 24 cookies 1 cup filtered water 10 oz chicken breast, boneless and skinless, cut into 2-in cubes ½ cup brown rice, dry 1 cup coconut flour 1 Tbsp ground flax seed

Preheat oven to 275° F. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Preheat a frying pan on medium heat for three minutes. Add coconut oil. Coat the pan evenly.

Place water, chicken and rice in a pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat. Simmer covered, for one hour. Strain and let cool.

Coconut Bites Yields: Approximately 20 cookies 1 orange, peeled, seeded, chopped into bite-size pieces 1 banana, peeled, chopped into bite-size pieces ½ cup coconut flour Lemon zest Preheat oven to 275° F. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Put the orange and banana into a food processor or blender. Purée until smooth. Combine blended fruit and coconut flour. Mix well. Form into 3-inch flat discs and place on a lined cookie sheet about 2 inches apart. Lightly sprinkle lemon zest on the uncooked treats. Bake 25 to 35 minutes or until golden on the bottom. Remove cookies and place them on a rack to cool. Tip: Keep a few treats in an air-tight container and freeze the remainder for later. Recipe courtesy of Tonya Wilhelm

Preheat oven to 275° F. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Place cooled chicken and rice mixture in a food processor or blender. Purée until smooth. Place the purée in a large bowl. Add the coconut flour and flax seed; mix well. Form into 3-inch flat discs and place on a lined cookie sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake 50 to 60 minutes or until golden on the bottom. Remove cookies and place them on a rack to cool. Recipe courtesy of Tonya Wilhelm

Add hamburger and stir fry until almost fully cooked. Add peppers, kale and figs to the meat. Continue to stir fry until the kale is reduced. Allow mixture to cool. Then, place mixture into a food processor or blender and purée until smooth. Combine the blended mixture and quinoa flour. Mix well. Form into 3-inch flat discs. Place on a lined cookie sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake 25 to 35 minutes or until golden on the bottom. Remove cookies and place on rack to cool. Recipe courtesy of Tonya Wilhelm

Go Go Balls Yields: 30 to 32 balls

Meatball Bites Yields: Approximately 24 cookies 1 Tbsp virgin coconut oil 10 oz grass-fed hamburger, 85 percent lean 4 oz green pepper, washed, seeded, cut in bite-size pieces 2½ oz kale, washed 3 figs, stems removed 1 cup quinoa flour

Natural Awakenings recommends using organic and non-GMO (genetically modified) ingredients whenever possible.

½ cup water-packed tuna fish or salmon (from a BPA-free pouch) 4 oz light cream cheese 2 Tbsp dried catnip (or more to taste) Drain the fish. If using salmon, remove the skin and bones. Using a fork, flake the fish into a bowl and add the remaining ingredients. Form small, marble-sized balls by hand and store refrigerated in an airtight container. Recipe courtesy of Janet Cantrell, Fat Cat Spreads Out natural awakenings

December 2015

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calendarofevents

MONDAY, DECEMBER 14

All calendar events must be received by the 15th of the month prior to publication. Limited to approximately 50 words. See exact character count on website. Submit from our website at NWFNaturally.com. $10 per regular listing. $50 Save the Date ad.

Level Two Reiki Training – 9am-4pm. Continuing education and training for those at Reiki level one ready to begin work as a practitioner. 8 CEU’s for massage therapists. Level one is a prerequisite to this class. $250. The Healing Clinic, 184 Brooks St, Bldg 1, Fort Walton Beach. 850-217-2771. TheHealingClinicFWB.com.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17 Remembrance Service – 6-7pm. An evening set aside to honor the memories of beloved family members and friends who have passed. Bring a framed photo of your departed loved one to display on the centerpiece table. RSVP so there is table space for every photo. Love offering. Unity of Pensacola, 716 N 9th Avenue, Pensacola. 850-438-2277. UnityPNS.org.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19 Reiki Master Practitioner – 9am-5pm. Includes information on symbols and attunement to the master level of energy. Extensive practitioner information along with techniques and practice to help enhance the spiritual aspects for growth and development. $300. The Healing Clinic, 184 Brooks St, Bldg 1, Fort Walton Beach. 850-217-2771. TheHealingClinicFWB.com.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10

Lifetime Wellness – 9am-4pm. Dr JimBob Haggerton of Lifetime Family Wellness Center educates on health and wellness: the hormone, endocrine and digestive systems; healthy brain balance and function; overall wellness. $35. University of West Florida, 11000 University Parkway Building 22, Pensacola. 850-261-9436. EventBright.com.

Christmas Party-Open House – 4-9pm. John of God light bed treatments, spiritual guidance sessions and white elephant gift exchange. Pick up your gift certificate for that special person. Free. The Metamorphosis Clinic, 4012 Commons Dr, Destin. RSVP: 850-2691414. TheMetamorphosisClinic@gmail.com.

Advanced Ascension Work with Alice McCall – 9:30am-12:30pm. Ongoing bi-monthly work. Understand the pathway to your spiritual growth and the ongoing planetary changes. Supportive of personal and global transformation. Teleconference with Alice McCall. $55. Reservations: 850-5855496. AliceMcCall@earthlink.net. HealingPath.info. Essential Oils and Reflexology of the Hands – 2-4:30pm. Learn how to get more out of your essential oils by applying them to reflexology points of the hands thereby targeting specific areas of the body. One lucky participant will get to be the volunteer. Free. Esther’s Garden of Healing, 8184 Navarre Pkwy, Navarre. 850-499-3670. EsthersGardenOfHealing.com. Beeswax Candle Making – 3-4:30pm. Each participant will go home with a candle as well as a detailed handout with recipes, ingredient information and instructions. $25. Esther’s Garden of Healing, 8184 Navarre Pkwy, Navarre. 850-499-3670. EsthersGardenOfHealing.com.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6 Spiritual Intuition – 10:30am-12pm. Dr Will Tuttle, author of The World Peace Diet, is devoted to providing uplifting and healing original music, and to helping people awaken their inner wisdom and genius. He will be performing at Unity. Love Offering. Unity in Fort Walton Beach, 1797 Hurlburt Rd, Fort Walton Beach. UnityInFWB.org. The Northwest Florida Myofascial Release Study Group – 2pm. This is a John F Barnes review for any therapist who has taken at least his Myofascial Release I seminar. Call for more information. Santa Rosa Beach. Janet Hardy: 850-231-9131.

Stress Reduction by Eliminating Fears – 6-7pm. A guided healing meditation event with Alice McCall focused on eliminating your major fears, which results in less stress symptoms for you! Don’t let stress and fears run your life. Teleconference with Alice McCall. $15. Reservations: 850-585-5496. AliceMcCall@earthlink.net. HealingPath.info.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12 Breakfast with Santa – 9:30-11:30am. A full breakfast for parents and children, a visit from Santa with professional photograph opportunities, character visits from everyone’s favorite ice queen and her sister, games, dancing and more. $15/per person. Broadway Lights Dance Center, 5668 Gulf Breeze Parkway, Gulf Breeze. 703-861-9062. FairytaleBy Christina@gmail.com. Rosa Peralta – 10:30-11:30am. Rosa Peralta feels that this incredible experience is serving as a “pay it forward” opportunity to be a part of the spiritual evolution of our Unity community which has contributed so much toward her own spiritual growth. Free. Unity in Fort Walton Beach, 1797 Hurlburt Rd, FT Walton Beach. UnityInFWB.org. Innovation through Props – 1-3pm. Incorporating the use of props in creative ways of approaching Iyengar asana. Designed for all levels of students, from the most to the least experienced. $45, $40/ early bird. Sunshine Yoga, 211-E Main Street, Destin. 850-687-8603. SunshineYogaStudio.com. Healing Oils of the Bible – 3-4:30pm. Learn the Biblical history, origination and usage of essential oils. Learn what these oils can do for you and your family’s health. Free. Esther’s Garden of Healing, 8184 Navarre Pkwy, Navarre. 850-684-3230. EsthersGardenOfHealing.com.

Candle Making with Essential Oils – 1-2:30pm. Learn to make chemical-free candles out of soy wax that you can scent with essential oils instead of synthetic scents that may lead to breathing difficulties, asthma and allergy symptoms. Take home candles with the scents of your choice. Bring old tea cups or any pretty glass container to hold your candles. $15. Esther’s Garden of Healing, 8184 Navarre Pkwy, Navarre. 850-684-3230. EsthersGardenOfHealing.com. The Emergence of Maitreya the World Teacher – 2:30-3:30pm. Maitreya and the Masters of Wisdom will inspire humanity to see itself as one family to love and rebuild the world so it works for everyone. Free presentation and literature. Pensacola Main Library, Conference Room, 239 N Spring St, Pensacola. 850-417-7294. Share-International.org. Frankincense and Myrrh – 3-4:30pm. Frankincense and myrrh have long been touted for their healing abilities and protective powers. Learn what these amazing oil can do for you and your family’s health. Free. Esther’s Garden of Healing, 8184 Navarre Pkwy, Navarre. 850-684-3230. EsthersGardenOfHealing.com.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20 Things I Have Learned Along The Way – 10:3011:30am. Dr Randy Langston had a medical practice for 30 years in Fort Walton Beach and performed contract work for Veterans Administration. He has four children and six grandchildren. Free. Unity in Fort Walton Beach, 1797 Hurlburt Rd, FT Walton Beach. UnityInFWB.org.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 21 Drum Making Workshop – 11am-6pm. Native American style frame drum making workshop. The drums will be 14” elk. Wear old clothes, bring snacks and drinks for this full day workshop. $165, all supplies are provided; $80/deposit due by Dec 12; space limited. Stone Soup, 700 Beal Parkway, Unit D, Fort Walton Beach. Jan: 850-533-6565. IntuitiveSpiritualCenter.org.

natural awakenings

December 2015

ongoingevents All calendar events must be received by the 15th of the month prior to publication. Limited to approximately 50 words. See exact character count on website. Submit from our website at NWFNaturally.com. $10 per regular listing. $50 Save the Date ad.

daily Yoga – Achieve balance in your mind, body and spirit. Mon, ashtanga vinyasa 6pm; Tues, wellness 11:15 and hot yoga 6pm; Wed, vinyasa flow 6pm; Thurs, yoga back 11:15 and restorative 6pm; Fri, happy hour 6pm. All levels welcome. $5/per class. Yoga Connection PC, 2629 W 23rd St, Ste H, Panama City. 850-785-8805. YogaConnnectionPC.com.

monday

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22 Solstice Event with Alice McCall – 6-7:30pm. Harness the powerful winter solstice and plant the seeds for the year ahead. Great for manifestation, birthing, rebirthing, and establishing new goals. Teleconference with Alice McCall. $20. Reservations: 850-585-5496. AliceMcCall@earthlink.net. HealingPath.info.

Massage Monday – 9am-6pm. Depending on the immediate concerns and specific needs of each client, techniques may vary from relaxing Swedish massage to variations of deep tissue massage. $55/ with promo code Monday. The Healing Clinic, 184 Brooks St, Bldg 2, FWB. 850-217-2771. TheHeal ingClinicFWB.com.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24

Yoga for Strength – 11-11:45am. If you like the more physical aspects and benefits of yoga, this is a great energetic class to get your body in tip top shape. Int/Adv Level. $15. Light Energy Dancing, 348 Miracle Strip Pkwy, Ste 27, Fort Walton Beach. 850-543-1970. LightEnergyDancing.com.

Christmas Eve Candlelight Night Under the Stars – 6-7pm. An hour of intention and celebration of the Christ child within. Fred and Cynthia Domulot, the choir and band directors, lead the music. Local band Three Bean Soup will perform as special musical guests. Love offering. Unity of Pensacola, 716 N 9th Ave, Pensacola. 850-438-2277. UnityPNS.org.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27 Accommodation – 10:30-11:45am. James (Lynn) Smith produces Accommodation, the story of a brother and sister with amusing and widely differing mindsets who find accommodating each other difficult, but an unexpected crisis impacts their lives and puts a new perspective on their differences. Free. Unity in Fort Walton Beach, 1797 Hurlburt Rd, Ft Walton Beach. UnityInFWB.org.

upcoming savethedate SATURDAY, JANUARY 16 Limitless Abundance and Success – Jan 16, 17, 23, 24. Sat, 8am-6pm; Sun, 10am-3pm. Learn to have less stress & anxiety; to increase your commissions/sales; to have more clients and a higher paying job; to have better relationships with your boss, friends, co-workers and loved ones; to unleash your inner power and reach your life potential; to achieve your own personal power for success in both business/work and personal life. $247. Fairfield Inn Marriott, 19001 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Destin. Colleen Rich: 248-891-8339. DestinationRichLiving.com/Seminars.

Dance for Parkinson’s - 12:15-1:15pm. A class for those afflicted with Parkinson’s, showing how dance is still available to you no matter what stage you are in. Caregivers can also attend. Free. Light Energy Dancing, 348 Miracle Strip Pkwy, Ste 27, FWB. 850-543-1970. LightEnergyDancing.com. Meditative Coloring – 6-7pm. Coloring is a form of active meditation that relieves stress, increases focus, and improves overall mental health. Bring your own supplies, and join Reverend Jamie and other adults for an hour of quiet, meditative coloring. Love offering. Fellowship Hall, Unity of Pensacola, 716 N 9th Ave, Pensacola. 850-438-2277. UnityPNS.org. Yoga w/Pranic Healing – 6-7pm. Start your week by getting in touch with your higher self. Find stillness and peacefulness by moving mindfully. $15. Light Energy Dancing, 348 Miracle Strip Pkwy, Ste 27, Fort Walton Beach. 850-543-1970. LightEnergyDancing.com. Beginners Yoga – 6-7:15pm. Learn the basics of yoga with other beginners in a comfortable atmosphere where you can connect with your body and release your fears. A new way of feeling and living. $15, packages available. Sunshine Yoga, 211-E Main St, Destin. 850-687-8603. SunshineYogaStudio.com.

tuesday Baby and Me Yoga – 9:30-10:30am. Bring your Munchkin (age 0-1) to yoga and do a series of poses designed specifically for the new parent and baby

Natural Awakenings of Northwest Florida

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to bond and feel good. Nurse or change baby as needed. Siblings welcome. $15, packages available. Sunshine Yoga, 211-E Main St, Destin. 850-6878603. SunshineYogaStudio.com. Aquachi Detox Footbath – 10am-2pm. Ionic foot bath therapy for simple detoxing is a natural way to enhance your overall sense of well-being and amplify the body’s ability to heal itself. $30/30 minute session. The Healing Clinic, 184 Brooks St, Bldg 2, Fort Walton Beach. 850-217-2771. TheHealingClinicFWB.com. 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training – 10:45am. Learn to become a confident, knowledgeable teacher of the practice of yoga. Tuition includes 200 hours of Yoga Alliance accredited teacher training with qualified instructors and unlimited yoga classes for the entire year. $300. Sunshine Yoga, 211-E Main Street, Destin. 850-687-8603. SunshineYogaStudio.com. Chakra Flow – 5:30-6:30pm. Special flow-based class is meant to stimulate the movement of energy in the chakras, the energy centers contained in each individual. They each have a physical, mental, emotional and spiritual trait. Temps range from 98-102° . $15. $10/military, student. Hot Yoga Om, 222 Miracle Strip Pkwy, Fort Walton Beach. 850217-2771. HotYogaOm.com. Acu Yoga – 6pm. Explore the different meridians and subtle energy channels of ancient Chinese medicine, including the stomach, spleen, liver, kidneys, heart, lungs, intestines, etc. Use yoga postures and meditations to explore the different channels and work points along the channels. $15. North West Florida Ballet Annex, Brooks St, behind Main Academy, Fort Walton. 850-225-9188. Amy@AllOneyYogaFWB.com. Latin Dance Basics – 6:15-7pm. Learn the basics of Cha Cha, Rumba and East Coast Swing. Become the dancer you’ve always wanted to be! Learn in our low stress, nurturing environment. $15. Light Energy Dancing, 348 Miracle Strip Pkwy, Ste 27, Fort Walton Beach. 850-543-1970. LightEnergyDancing.com.

wednesday Gentle Flow Yoga – 10-11:15am. Beginner based therapeutic movement combined with breath awareness and guided meditation. Healing for the body, mind and soul.Taught by Master Teacher, Felicia McQuaid with over 12yrs of experience. 850-217-2771. Drop in fee. Dragonfly Yoga, 184 Brooks St. Bldg 2, FWB. 850-217-2771.TheHealingClinicFWB.com. Yoga for Strength – 11-11:45am. If you like the more physical aspects and benefits of yoga, this is a great energetic class to get your body in tip top shape. Int/Adv Level. $15. Light Energy Dancing, 348 Miracle Strip Pkwy, Ste 27, Fort Walton Beach. 850-543-1970. LightEnergyDancing.com. Flowing Yoga – 7-8pm. If you enjoy flowing your yoga and maintaining a focus on the breath, this is the

classifieds Submit classified entries online only at NWFNaturally.com. The submission form is located on the Advertising web page. $20 for 20 words, $1 per extra word. BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY NATURAL AWAKENINGS MAGAZINE MOBILE/BALDWIN COUNTIES FRANCHISE AVAILABLE FOR SALE – Start a career you can be passionate about. Home based business complete with comprehensive training and support system. Call 239-530-1377 or visit our website; www.naturalawakeningsmag.com/mymagazine.

CLASSES/TRAINING class for you. Open level. $15. Light Energy Dancing, 348 Miracle Strip Pkwy, Ste 27, Fort Walton Beach. 850-543-1970. LightEnergyDancing.com. Transmission Meditation: Group Meditation for the New Age – 7:15-8:30pm. World service group meditation providing a dynamic service to the world and a powerful method of personal spiritual development. Help speed the world transformation taking place now. All are welcome. Free. Ever’mans Educ Center, 315 W Garden St, Pensacola. TransmissionMeditation.org.

thursday Aquachi Detox Footbath – 10am-2pm. Ionic foot bath therapy for simple detoxing is a natural way to enhance your overall sense of well-being and amplify the body’s ability to heal itself. $30/30 minute session. The Healing Clinic, 184 Brooks St, Bldg 2, Fort Walton Beach. 850-217-2771. TheHealingClinicFWB.com. Alzheimer’s Caregivers Education and Support – 2-4pm. 4th Thur. Covenant Alzheimer’s Services Caregiver Education and Support Group. Onsite respite care can be provided with an RSVP. Unity of Ft Walton Beach, 1797 Hurlburt RD, FWB. Maureen: 850-244-8933.

friday Aquachi Detox Footbath – 10am-2pm. Ionic foot bath therapy for simple detoxing is a natural way to enhance your overall sense of well-being and amplify the body’s ability to heal itself. $30/30 minute session. The Healing Clinic, 184 Brooks St, Bldg 2, Fort Walton Beach. 850-217-2771. TheHealingClinicFWB.com.

HEALTH COACHING, NUTRITION AND PERSONAL TRAINING – Do you want to lose weight, get rid of stress, feel good? I offer coaching, meal plans, personal training and Yahweh yoga to help you reach your goals. I will guide you daily and help you succeed. Call Tracy at 850-481-6992.

HELP WANTED FREE HELP WANTED CLASSIFIED POSTINGS – Natural Awakenings is committed helping our community find work and employment. Post your help wanted listing, up to 20 words, free of charge in 2015. Deadline is the 15th of the month prior to the month published. We reserve the right to edit, accept or reject all submissions based on suitability. MODELS WANTED – Currently seeking models for a Brazilian wax, Esthetician and Balayage Hair Color. Services provided by Junior Stylist. Each service is $25 to cover cost of products. When booking, please let us know you are interested in being a model. Brava Hair Studio, Day Spa & Boutique,FWB. 850-833-3003. Brava HairStudio.com.

PRODUCTS GEOTHERMAL HVAC SYSTEM FOR YOU HOME. Let the earth do the work of heating and cooling your home. Geo-Thermal systems are easy on your pocket and easy on the earth. P.A.C.E. qualified Contractor. Call today to learn more, 850-244-2665 or go to Emerald AirServices.com. JUICE, SMOOTHIES, SOUPS AND SALADS – Enjoy our juice and smoothie bar; organic salads to go and organic soups (cold months). 9am-3pm.

Mon-Fri. Golden Almond Health Food Store. 339 Racetrack Road, NW. FWB. 850-863-5811. GoldenAlmond.com.

ROOM RENTALS MEDICAL OFFICE SPACE FOR SALE BY OWNER – Custom finished medical office space in the Heart of Destin. 8 treatment rooms, conference room, large reception area, office space, 3 restrooms, kitchen. Serious inquiries only to: officespaceforsale15@gmail.com. OFFICE SPACE AVAILABLE – 8th Element Wellness is looking for a reliable, enthusiastic Health care practitioner who wants to rent space and be a complimentary addition to our team. Room for rent in calm environment at 90 Beal Pkwy in Ft Walton Bch. If interested, please call Christie at 850-598-7515 or Alex at 850-582-2285. THE SPIRITUAL DIMENSION HOSTEL FWB – Walking distance to many amenities, Bike rentals, Beds as low as $25 per night. Couples - $35; Private room $50. TSDHostel.com. 850-376-8324.

SERVICES DEEP CLEANSING FACIAL – Deep Cleansing Facial includes a Microdermabrasion and Enzyme Peel. Only $75 (regular cost over $200). Brava Hair Studio, Day Spa & Boutique, FWB. 850-8333003. BravaHairStudio.com. MYOFASCIAL RELEASE FOR HEALTH MAINTENANCE – Janet Hardy, LMT, BCTMB, John F. Barnes’ expert Myofascial Release therapist is now offering treatment for many womens’ health issues. For more information, please call 850-2319131or email CaringTouch 4Therapy@gmail.com. NATURAL HEALTH CONSULTANTS – Knowledeable, experienced staff members available to help with your questions about natural and organic foods, herbs, supplements and anti-aging products. Golden Almond Health Food Store. 339 Racetrack Road, NW. FWB. 850-863-5811. GoldenAlmond.com. PORTRAITS – Professional portrait studio with amazing backdrops, unique monthly themes, glamorous and romantic styles, plus full of vintage and antique props and backgrounds. 90 minute photo session includes 3 finished digital portraits. Only $200. Brava Hair Studio, Day Spa & Boutique. 850-833-3003. BravaHairStudio.com.

saturday Meditation & Pranic Healing – 7-8pm. Twin Hearts Meditation to bless the planet, the people in your life and bring blessings into your own life. Stay afterward for our Pranic Healing clinic.. $10, $8/punch card. Light Energy Dancing, 348 Miracle Strip Pkwy, Ste 27, Fort Walton Beach. 850-5431970. LightEnergyDancing.com.

The excellence of a gift lies in its appropriateness rather than in its value. ~Charles Dudley Warner natural awakenings

December 2015

Having a Hard time making progress in your life, career or relationships?

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Natural Awakenings of Northwest Florida

To get your life pointed in a positive direction reserve your seat today for

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This is not an MLM or a disguised sales promo, there is nothing sold at this event.

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January 16th & 17th and again on

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For more information & to register visit:

destinationrichLiving.com/Seminars FL Panhandle Winter Pricing Is JUST $247/person www.NWFNaturally.com

communityresourceguide Connecting you to the leaders in natural healthcare and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Community Resource Guide email Advertising@NWFNaturally.com to request our media kit or call 850-687-0826.

ACUPUNCTURE REBECCA FREEMAN, AP, MAOM 1180 Eglin Pkwy NE, Shalimar 850-902-2536 • 850-651-0160 RebeccaFreeman08@yahoo.com

Caring and compassionate masters of acupuncture and Oriental medicine acupuncture. More than 12 years’ experience relieving all types of pain, including: headaches, female problems, digestive problems and more.

KOVAR CHIROPRACTIC & WELLNESS CENTER

John S Kovar, DC 29 G Miracle Strip Hwy SW, FWB 850-244-1200 • DrKovar.com Experience the many benefits of acupuncture. Restoring health naturally to patients for more than 30 years, Dr. Kovar also offers chiropractic care, nutrition response testing with designed clinical nutrition, and massage.

ACUPUNCTURE FACELIFT DR SHERYL ROE

Acupuncture Physician Navarre • FWB 850-225-3460 • DrSRoe.com Acupuncture works. Learn how it can work for you at the Navarre, Destin or Mary Esther. Treating all types of pain, addiction, sleep disorders, stress, fibromyalgia, PTSD. Feel better soon.

AIR CONDITIONING EMERALD AIR SERVICES, LLC HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING

112 Beal Pkwy SW, FWB 850-244-2665 • EmeraldAirFWB.com To greatly improve system efficiency, equipment performance, and longevity, eliminate filterchanging inconveniences and provide you home with the purest, healthiest air. Choose Everclean Green. See ad, page 20.

DR ANAYA PALAY, DAOM

Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Calhoun Chiropractic 16600 Back Beach Pkwy, Panama City Beach • 850-230-1288 Using ancient wisdom to holistically treat today’s illnesses. Specializing in: Women’s Health including painful or heavy periods, fertility, pre- and post-natal care, peri-menopause and beyond.

DR SHERYL ROE

BODYWORKERS CARING TOUCH

Janet Hardy, LMT Board Certified since 1994 Myofascial Release Therapist Expert Level Santa Rosa Beach • 850-231-9131 CaringTouchTherapy.net In her 20+ years of massage therapy Janet has found the John F. Barnes’ Approach® to be the most effective and holistic treatment for the relief of pain and optimal health. MA17333. See ad, page 21.

ALEXANDREA MCALLASTER, LMT 8th Element Wellness, LLC 90 Beal Pkwy NW, Ste A1, FWB 850-582-2285

Dedicated to a heart centered practice specializing in Healing Touch Energy Therapy, Chakra balancing and Neuromuscular pain management with focus on neck release and low back pain. MA59372. See ad, page 28.

CHRISTIE MORGAN, LMT

8th Element Wellness LLC 90 Beal Pkwy NW, Ste A1, FWB 850-598-7515

Specializing in pain management massage and a blend of therapeutic massage techniques with focused intention to de-stress the body and mind. MA50499. See ad, page 28.

BEAUTY BRAVA HAIR STUDIO, DAY SPA & BOUTIQUE BravaHairStudio@gmail.com 850-833-3003 • BravaHairStudio.com

BOUTIQUE

Shampoos and conditioners incorporate pure aromatherapy essential oils which are beneficial to your hair and also your well being. Continued education and frequent training allow us to provide the most up to date trends and techniques. See ad, page 38.

SALON VEDAT ORGANIC SALON

Janice Skene 114-B Benning Dr, Destin • 850-837-2690 SalonVedat@gmail.com • SalonVedat.com

BRAVA HAIR STUDIO, DAY SPA & BOUTIQUE BravaHairStudio@gmail.com 850-833-3003 • BravaHairStudio.com

Brava Boutique is full of fun and exotic gifts from all over the world. Everything from organic pastas from Italy to Charles Viancin echo friendly lids for healthy food storage. See ad, page 38.

Organic Salon Systems started a revolution of healthier, natural, organic, better performing professional products. Beauty without sacrificing health. Coloring and smoothing treatments for silky, healthy hair. No SLS, ammonia, parabens, plastics. See ad, page 28.

natural awakenings

December 2015

BREAST SCREENING HEND-RX NUTRITION & LABORATORIES 205 Kelly Ave NE, Ste A, FWB 850-736-5700 • HendRx@Live.com

KOVAR CHIROPRACTIC & WELLNESS CENTER

John S Kovar, DC 29 G Miracle Strip Hwy SW, FWB 850-244-1200 • DrKovar.com Practicing locally for over 30 years, expertise in treating pain conditions, auto injury and restoring health naturally through nutrition response testing, clinical nutrition, acupuncture, massage and chiropractic wellness care.

Screening with thermography can detect abnormalities in the very earliest stages cardiovascular, breast thyroid, hormonal digestive, diabetes, TMJ. Also offering personalized healthcare assessments and organic botanical supplements. See ad, page 38.

COLONIC THERAPY CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES FAIRYTALE BY CHRISTINA

703-861-9062 FairytaleByChristina@gmail.com FairyTaleByChristina.com

THE METAMORPHOSIS CLINIC

(Formerly Skindeep) Cindy Butler, Owner/Therapist SkindeepDestin.com • 850-269-1414 TheMetamorphosisClinic@gmail.com Body & Mind Wellness Services including, Colonics, Total Body Detox Footbath, Skin Rejuvenation Treatments, Infrared Sauna, Transcendental Meditation training, Lifestyle Transition Coaching, Proven Weight-Loss Program. MA49032/MM27113. See ad, page 29.

A child’s dream come true... Fairy Tale by Christina is a one-of-akind experience, allowing a storybook to come to life for your child’s birthday party, camp or special event. Ask about our Military Family discount.

CHIROPRACTIC BLUEWATER CHIROPRACTIC WELLNESS CENTER

April Lee, DC 4400 Hwy 20 E, Niceville 850-897-1177 • BluewaterChiropractic.com Natural and holistic healthcare. Offering chiropractic care, lumbar decompression, physical therapies, m a s s a g e t h e r a p y, n u t r i t i o n a l education and supplementation. Allow the body to heal the way it was designed.

HENARD FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC Dr Karen Henard, DC 4566 Hwy 20 E, Ste 205, Niceville 850-897-1105 • HenardChiro.com

A second generation chiropractor, Dr. Henard is committed to chiropractic wellness for the family, improving health naturally. More than 16 years’ experience in pediatrics, sports and automobile injuries. Most insurance and affordable cash plans.

CRAFTS & GIFTS STONE SOUP

Intuitive Spiritual Center 700 Beal Pkwy, Unit D, FWB ShadowBonus@gmail.com • 850-533-6565 Fort Walton’s newest eclectic intuitive center. Locally made crafts by local artisans. Intuitive readings, jewelry, paintings, incense, crystals, pottery, semi-precious stones, wind chimes, diaper cakes, hand painted furniture. See ad, page 23.

DR SUSAN WELCH, FAGD

106 Wright Pkwy SW, FWB 850-243-1534 WrightParkwayDentalCenter.com Healthy digestion, well aligned physical structure, proper breathing and a good nights sleep begin with a healthy mouth. We treat sleep disorders, TMJ, headaches, snoring, and sleep apnea. Plus, crowns, teeth whitening, bridges, veneers, mplant restorations, allgner orthodontics, cleanings, digital x-ray imaging, laser periodontal treatment. No mercury fillings. See ad, page 13.

DINING SYNERGY ORGANIC JUICE BAR AND CAFÉ 120 Miraclestrip Pkwy SE 850-865-4919 SynergyOrganicCafeFWB.com

Juice Bar and Café offers farm-to-table meals prepared with regionally sourced organic produce and pantry items; glutenfree, dairy-free. Whole food cooking, juicing, gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan and raw food classes are available. See ad, page 35.

EMOTIONAL HEALING BACK TO BASIC WELLNESS

Susan Giangiulio, MEd, CECP, CLP 850-240-2279 Back-To-Basic-Wellness.com Certified Lifeline Technique™ and an Emotion Code Practitioner applying kinesiology, known as muscle testing, to communicate with subconscious thoughts. Re l e a se t r a p p e d e m o tio n s , eliminate personal obstacles and limiting behaviors.

DENTISTRY DR DAYTON HART, DMD

IAOMT Protocol 225 W Laurel Ave, Foley, AL 251-943-2471 • DrDaytonHart.com Free book: Mercury Free Dentistry. Ozone, laser no-suture gum surgery, test for compatible materials, cavity-causing bacteria. Examine for gum disease bacteria. Laser cavity diagnoses, saliva, ph check, oral galvanic screening; no fluoride. See ad, page 39.

ENVIROMENTAL WELLNESS COMPASS SOLAR ENERGY Serving NW Florida 850-439-0035 CompassSolar.com

Since 1989 Compass Solar has provide the area with reliable solar electric, solar water heating, solar pool heating and solar attic fans powered solely by the Sun. An approved PACE funding contractor.

In prayer it is better to have a heart without words than words without a heart. ~Mahatma Gandhi 50

Natural Awakenings of Northwest Florida

www.NWFNaturally.com

EMERALD AIR SERVICES, HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING

112 Beal Pkwy SE, FWB 850-244-2665 • EmeraldAirFWB.com To greatly improve system e f f i c i e n c y, e q u i p m e n t performance, and longevity, eliminate filter-changing inconveniences and provide you home with the purest, healthiest air. Choose Everclean Green. See ad, page 20.

WELL BEING BY ARLENE

Arlene Cook 850-896-4231 • EnjoyFreedom.biz An Environmental Approach to Wellness

positive health benefits.

Many health challenges today are due to toxins and deficiencies in our environment. Drinking clean, alkaline water with negative ions can have

FARMERS’ MARKET 30A FARMER’S MARKETS

850-499-4697 • 30AFarmersMarket.com 3 Locations: Rosemary Beach Town Center, on 30 A 9am-1pm Sundays (Year Round) Thursdays (Memorial Day-Labor Day) Grand Boulevard at Sandestin, on Hwy 98 9am-1pm - Saturday (Year Round) WaterColor Coastal Cerulean Park, on 30A 9am-2pm Sundays & Thursday (Year Round) Serene, beautiful, distinctive and exclusive is the best way to describe the 30A Farmers’ Market Family. European and coastalinspired markets feature local farmers, makers, bakers, and specialty vendors in an inviting market experience. See ad, page 12.

FOODS & SUPPLEMENTS 30A OLIVE OIL

12805 US Hwy 98 East, Ste N101, Inlet Beach 850-909-0099 • 30aoliveoil.com Experience the world of Fresh Olive Oil from around the world ( Infused & Crushed Extra Virgin), Balsamic Vinegar(Dark and White flavor infused),Sea Salts,Olive Oil Based Products. We ship anywhere. See ad, page 15.

BODY-B-HEALTHY

SYNERGY ORGANIC JUICE BAR AND CAFÉ

2227 Ferdon Blvd, Crestview 850-682-8893 • Find us on Facebook Knowledgeable staff and cutting edge digital health assessments. Dairy-free and gluten-free food items, supplements, homeopathic solutions and anti-aging products, plus delicious nutritional smoothies. See ad, page 39.

DESTIN NUTRITION

34940 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Unit 184 850-837-2372 • DestinNutrition.com Quality-tested supplements you can trust! We have non-GMO and gluten-free products available. Located in the Best Buy Plaza. See ad, page 5.

ESTHER’S GARDEN OF HEALING 8184 Navarre Pkwy, Navarre 850-684-3230 EsthersGardenOfHealing@gmail.com

A unique establishment specializing in 150+ bulk herbs, 40+ loose teas, homeopathic remedies and our herbal skincare line. Find us on Facebook for an updated schedule of our weekly workshops. See ad, page 31.

GOLDEN ALMOND HEALTH FOOD STORE

339 Racetrack Rd NW, Ste 3 850-863-5811 • GoldenAlmond.com Hours: M-F 9-6, S 10-4, Closed Sun Natural and organic foods. Largest selection of herbs and supplements in the area. Enjoy our new fresh juice bar, open weekdays 10-4. Knowledgeable and personable staff. See ad, back cover (The Emerald Coast edition.)

MOUNT OF OLIVES HEALTH FOODS 728 W 23rd St, Panama City 850-784-9001 • MountOfOlives.com

Featuring quality products we stand behind. Gluten free foods, non GMO, bulk foods, refrigerated/ frozen organic foods, raw foods, cosmetics, organic pet food. See ad, back cover (The Panama City edition).

120 Miraclestrip Pkwy SE 850-865-4919 SynergyOrganicCafeFWB.com

GEOTHERMAL EMERALD AIR SERVICES, HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING 112 Beal Pkwy SE, FWB 850-244-2665 • EmeraldAirFWB.com

To greatly improve system e f f i c i e n c y, e q u i p m e n t performance, and longevity, eliminate filter-changing inconveniences and provide you home with the purest, healthiest air. Choose Everclean Green. See ad, page 20.

HEALING ARTS MICHAEL BRANT DEMARIA, PHD

Psychologist, Yoga/Meditation Teacher Sound Healing Artist, Speaker, Author Info@ontos.org • MichaelDemaria.com Free meditation series at Youtube. com/MBDemaria; upcoming events at PeaceWithinNow.com. Ongoing meditation/yoga classes at Sanders Beach Community Center. 850-436-5198. Healing music available on iTunes, Amazon.com, CDbaby.com. See ad, page 27.

HEALING PATH, ALICE MCCALL

Transformational Energy Healer/Counselor BS Psychology, MBA, Hypnotherapist 850-585-5496 • HealingPath.info Phone sessions to heal serious health issues, unwanted patterns, and more. Authored Wellness Wisdom on natural health and healing; inspired by her journey with cancer.

Maybe Christmas, the Grinch thought, doesn’t come from a store. ~Dr. Seuss natural awakenings

December 2015

HOLISTIC MEDICINE NITIN BAWA, MD

DrBawa.com Destin: 850-424-7320 Fort Walton Beach: 850-586-7890 Santa Rosa Beach: 850-534-4170

General medicine with a holistic wellness approach and specialized services in bioidentical hormone therapy, weight loss, food allergies, nutritional analysis and antiaging procedures. Most insurance accepted. See ad, page 5.

GULF COAST HOLISTIC PRIMARY CARE

Raquel Skidmore, MD 850-640-1530 756 Harrison Ave, Panama City GulfCoastHolisticAndPrimaryCare.com At GCHPC, your health comes first. A philosophy that joins holistic and conventional medical care where we treat the whole human—mind, body and spirit. Prescreening to prescribe medical marijuana.

INTEGRATIVE PSYCHIATRY DR DEBORAH R SIMKIN, MD

DFAACAP, Diplomate ABIHM 4641 Gulfstarr Dr, Ste 106, Destin 850-243-9788 IntegrativePsychiatryOfDestin.com Board certified in neurofeedback and Integrative Medicine. Simkin specializes in Integrative Psychiatry (complementary and alternative assessments and interventions) and qEEG Z Score LORETA neurofeedback (an advanced neurofeedback which typically allows far fewer sessions). See ad, page 41.

INTUITIVE ARTS JUL CONSTANTINE

Psychic Connections by Juls 850-533-9448 JulConstantine@gmail.com PsychicConnectionsByJuls.com Intuitive, medium, author and teacher. More information on Jul’s website. Discover your intuitive abilities by signing up for a Psychic Development Workshop. Readings are in person or by phone.

FOUNDATIONS MEDICAL CENTER Kyle Chavers, MD 870 Mack Bayou Rd, Ste D, SRB 850-660-6701 FoundationsMedicalCenter.com Facebook.com/FoundationsMedical

We treat the condition; not just the symptom! In-depth, patientcentered office visits for general health, chronic conditions, nutritional support , laboratory testing and other diagnostic techniques. Currently accepting new patients. See ad, page 15.

THE HEALING CLINIC OF FORT WALTON BEACH Felicia McQuaid 850-217-2771 TheHealingClinicFWB.com

Certified Advanced Angel Reader through Doreen Virtue. Connect with your Angels to receive love filled guidance and clarityabout specific questions and areas of life. Sessions available in person or via skpe or facetime. See ad, page 2.

HYPNOSIS DESTIN HYPNOSIS

Tom Mueller, CMC, CHt 850-865-0285 • DestinHypnosis.com Facebook.com/DestinHypnosis Certified hypnotherapist and master life coach. Hypnosis is powerful anytime a change in feeling, thinking or behavior is desired. My mission is your success. Call today. See ad, page 37.

MASSAGE THERAPY 8TH ELEMENT WELLNESS, LLC 90 Beal Pkwy NW, Ste A1, FWB 850-420-5819

Wellness spa features a variety of therapeutic massage modalities, energy therapy, chakra balancing, skincare, hypnotherapy and acupuncture with Dr. Sheryl Roe. Also available for group events, bridal massage parties, couples massage, girl’s day outings and workshops. See ad, page 28.

BLUEWATER CHIROPRACTIC WELLNESS CENTER

April Lee, DC 4400 Hwy 20 E, Niceville 850-897-1177 • BluewaterChiropractic.com Sports and rehabilitation massage therapy. Natural and holistic healthcare. Chiropractic care, lumbar decompression, physical therapies, nutritional education and supplementation. Allow the body to heal the way it was designed.

MASSAGE ENVY SPA DESTIN & MASSAGE ENVY SPA FWB

34904 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Unit #132 Destin • 850-650-8500 99 Eglin Pkwy, Unit #5B, Uptown Station FWB • 850-301-2000 MassageEnvy.com Looking for professional, customized massages and facials? Our professional massage therapists and estheticians will customize massage and facial to fit your needs. Make Massage Envy your spa. Two convienent locations in Destin and Fort Walton Beach. See ad, page 11.

THE HEALING CLINIC OF FORT WALTON BEACH

184 Brooks St, Ste 1 TheHealingClinicFWB.com • 850-217-2771 Well-being and balance await you. Therapeutic massage, Reiki, Myofascial Release, Transformational healing. Whether you need a deeper touch or more gentle approach we can help. Balance for body, mind and spirit. See ad, page 2.

MYOFASCIAL RELEASE CARING TOUCH

A true friend never gets in your way unless you happen to be going down. ~Arnold H. Glasow 52

Natural Awakenings of Northwest Florida

www.NWFNaturally.com

THE HEALING CLINIC OF FORT WALTON BEACH Laura Tyree 850-217-2771 • MA68035 TheHealingClinicFWB.com

Laura is a highly skilled therapist under the John Barnes technique. Under her extraordinary care clients find relief from long held pain and tension that lasts. This gentle technique of quiet pressure and stretching relieves pain from the restriction of connective tissue. See ad, page 2.

NEUROFEEDBACK DR DEBORAH R SIMKIN, MD

PRANIC HEALING LIGHT ENERGY DANCING 348 Miracle Strip Pkwy, #27 (behind IHOP) FWB Call or Text 850-543-1970 LightEnergyDancing.com

A serene space for meditation, healing and spirituality. Offering weekly group meditations, healing clinics, yoga combined with energy healing, private Pranic Healing sessions, and Pranic Healing training. Be happy, be well, be blessed. See ad, page 23.

REIKI FELICIA MCQUAID, LMT

Master Reiki Teacher THE Healing Clinic of Fort Walton Beach 850-217-2771 TheHealingClinicFWB.com Felicia McQuaid has been offering Reiki healing services since 2005. She offers regular trainings in all levels of Traditional Usui Reiki Ryoho and Karuna Reiki. Felicia is known for her insight, grace and compassion while working with students and clients. MA61060. See ad, page 2.

SOLAR POWER

THERMOGRAPHY

COMPASS SOLAR ENERGY

HEND-RX NUTRITION & LABORATORIES

Serving NW Florida 850-439-0035 CompassSolar.com

205 Kelly Ave NE, Ste A, FWB 850-736-5700 • HendRx@Live.com

SPA TREATMENTS R & R DAY SPA, LLC

327-C Racetrack Rd NE, FWB 850-226-8115 • RRDaySpa.com Bruce Bennet, Massage Lic # MA77994 Specializing in organic facials, herbal body wraps, massages, gel mani/pedi, brazilian wax, airbrush tanning and makeup. Relaxed and personalized atmosphere. By appointment only. Visit and book online.

SPIRITUAL CENTERS

WEIGHT-MANAGEMENT NITIN BAWA, MD

DrBawa.com DrBawa.com Destin: 850-424-7320 Fort Walton Beach: 850-586-7890 Santa Rosa Beach: 850-534-4170 General medicine with a holistic wellness approach and specialized services in bio-identical hormone therapy, weight loss, food allergies, nutritional analysis and antiaging procedures. Most insurance accepted. See ad, page 5.

UNITY IN FORT WALTON BEACH A New Thought Spiritual Center 1797 Hurlburt Rd, FWB 850-864-1232 • UnityInFWB.org

WELLNESS CENTER

Sunday Service at 10:30am. Wed. prayer at noon. “We Empower You to Fulfill Your Spiritual Purpose”. See ad, page 29.

UNITY OF PANAMA CITY

1764 Lisenby Ave, Panama City PanamaCityUnity@knology.net 850-769-7481 • UnityOfPanamaCity.org Committed to helping people find the way to their own understanding and experience of God and offering positive, practical resources for an abundant and meaningful life. See ad, page 15. (The Panama City Edition)

THE METAMORPHOSIS CLINIC

WELLNESS SPA 8TH ELEMENT WELLNESS LLC 90 Beal Pkwy NW, Ste A1, FWB 850-420-5819

Never forget the three powerful resources that are always available to you: love, prayer and forgiveness. ~H. Jackson Brown, Jr. natural awakenings

December 2015

HOT YOGA OM

YOGA STUDIOS

SYNERGY YOGA AND WELLNESS

222 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, Unit A Downtown Fort Walton Beach 850-217-2771 • HotYogaOM.com

DRAGONFLY YOGA STUDIES 184 Brooks St, SE, Bldg 2 Downtown FWB • 850-244-0184 DragonFlyYoga.com

Hot Yoga Om features Far Infrared Heat.Radiant Heat. Radiant Life. Daily classes, amazing teachers. Your first class is $5. Experience it for yourself. See ad, page 2.

Serene environment for the study and practice of hatha yoga. Certified instructors. Owner/ Director Laura Tryee, E-RYT 500. See ad, page 2.

Amy Likins, RYT, Holistic Nutrition Specializing in Personal Wellness 850-243-7492 SynergyOrganiCafeFWB.com

Yoga for Health and Wellness, Beginner and Intermediate, Offering Nutrition Programs for cancer and immunity, juicing, detox and cleansing, weight loss, digestive health, vegan, vegetarian, gluten free and cooking lessons. See ad, page 35.

COMING SOON Join the healthy living, healthy planet Natural Living 2016 Direc tory Community Resource Guide now and be included in the 2016 Annual Directory published in February 2016. H E A L T H Y

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Emerald Coast Panama City Pensacola

YOGAJUNKIE STUDIO

LIGHT ENERGY DANCING 348 Miracle Strip Pkwy, #27 (behind IHOP) FWB Call or Text 850-543-1970 LightEnergyDancing.com

1157 John Sims Pkwy 850-279-6980 YogaJunkieStudio.com Follow us @YogaJunkieStudio

Offering yoga, meditation, energy and Pranic Healing, ballroom dancing and personal training. Specialty classes available, yoga for PTSD and Dance for Parkinson’s. Join us in our light filled, relaxing space. See ad, page 23.

Niceville’s original Hot Yoga studio. Featuring certified instructors and promoting holistic yoga benefits. Classes for every fitness level including Hot Yoga, Prenatal, Beginners, Hatha/ Vinyasa Blend and more. See ad, page 25.

rayer is more than meditation. In meditation the source of strength is one’s self. When one prays, he goes to a source of strength greater than his own. ~Chiang Kai-shek

Fresh Air is one of public radio’s most iconic

programs. The show is produced by WHYY. Host, Terry Gross is known for her extraordinary ability to engage guests of all dispositions. Fresh Air opens the window on contemporary arts and issues.

Photo Credit: Dan Burke

WUWF PUBLIC MEDIA

Natural Awakenings of Northwest Florida

www.NWFNaturally.com

Weekdays 11 AM-Noon on WUWF 88.1FM or wuwf.org.

Learn more and find the full list of WUWF programs at wuwf.org/ programs.

Turn Your Passion Into a Business

Own a Natural Awakenings Magazine Our publishers ranked us among the highest in franchise satisfaction for our Training, Support, Core Values and Integrity!

As a Natural Awakenings publisher, you can enjoy learning about healthy and joyous living while working from your home and earn a good income doing something you love!

No publishing experience is necessary. You’ll work for yourself but not by yourself. We offer a complete training and support system that allows you to successfully publish your own magazine.

• Meaningful New Career • Low Initial Investment • Proven Business System • Home-Based Business • Exceptional Franchise Support & Training

Natural Awakenings is now expanding into new markets across the U.S. Contact us about starting a magazine in a community of your choice or acquiring an existing publication for sale highlighted in red below.

Natural Awakenings publishes in over 95 markets across the U.S. and Puerto Rico. • • • • • • • • • • •

Huntsville, AL Gulf Coast AL/MS* Phoenix, AZ* Tucson, AZ East Bay Area, CA San Diego, CA Boulder, CO* Denver, CO Fairfield County, CT Hartford, CT New Haven/ Middlesex, CT • Washington, DC • Daytona/Volusia/ Flagler, FL • NW FL Emerald Coast • Ft. Lauderdale, FL • Jacksonville/ St. Augustine, FL • Melbourne/Vero, FL • Miami & the Florida Keys • Naples/Ft. Myers, FL • North Central FL • Orlando, FL • Palm Beach, FL • Peace River, FL • Sarasota, FL • Tampa/St. Pete., FL • FL’s Treasure Coast • Atlanta, GA • Hawaiian Islands • Chicago, IL • Chicago Western Suburbs, IL • Indianapolis, IN • Baton Rouge, LA • Lafayette, LA • New Orleans, LA • Portland, ME • Boston, MA • Ann Arbor, MI • East Michigan • Wayne County, MI* • Western MI* • Minneapolis/ St. Paul, MN • Charlotte, NC* • Lake Norman, NC* • Triangle, NC • Bergen/Passiac, NJ* • Central, NJ

• Hudson County, NJ • Mercer County, NJ • Monmouth/ Ocean, NJ • North Central NJ • South NJ • Santa Fe/Abq., NM • Las Vegas, NV • Albany, NY • Buffalo, NY • Central NY • Long Island, NY • Lower Hudson Valley West, NY • Manhattan, NY* • Queens, NY • Rochester, NY • Westchester/ Putnam Co’s., NY • Central OH • Cincinnati, OH • Toledo, OH • Oklahoma City, OK • Portland, OR* • Bucks/Montgomery Counties, PA • Harrisburg/York, PA • Lancaster/Berks, PA • Lehigh Valley, PA • Pocono, PA/ Warren Co., NJ • Scranton/ Wilkes-Barre, PA • Rhode Island • Charleston, SC* • Columbia, SC • Grand Strand, SC* • Greenville, SC • Chattanooga, TN • Knoxville, TN* • Memphis, TN • Austin, TX • Dallas Metroplex, TX • Dallas/FW Metro N • Houston, TX • San Antonio, TX* • SE Texas • Richmond, VA • VA’s Blue Ridge • Seattle, WA • Madison, WI • Milwaukee, WI • Puerto Rico

* Existing magazines for sale

For more information, visit our website NaturalAwakeningsMag.com/mymagazine or call 239-530-1377

natural

Natural Awakenings recently won the prestigious FBR50 Franchise Satisfaction Award from Franchise Business Review. To learn more, visit FranchiseBusinessReview.com awakenings December 2015 55

Knowledgeable and Friendly Staff! • Health Foods & Natural Vitamins • Herbs & Homeopathic Remedies • Organic, Grass-Fed, & Free-Range Meat • Aromatherapy & Essential Oils • Paleo Breads, Wraps, Crackers, Bars, etc. • Organic Kombucha & Probiotic Drinks

In-store Organic Soups, Salads, Juices, Smoothies, Wheatgrass Shots & Wraps. Gluten/ Soy/Dairy-free and Vegan Products STORe HOuRS:

MON-FRI 9AM - 6PM • SAT 10AM - 5PM

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850-863-5811 • GoldenAlmond.com 339 NW Racetrack Rd • Suite 3 • FWB Natural Awakenings of Northwest Florida www.NWFNaturally.com

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